The Ontario arm of Canadian Union of Public Employees (Cupe), has broken off talks with the Ontario government and is announced a strike from Monday which could affect schools across the province.
Cupe Ontario represents some 55,000 education sector workers in Ontario.
“It is deeply disappointing that Cupe has decided to end talks this weekend, and proceed with a partial withdrawal of services, despite a limited number of outstanding items at the table,” said Stephen Lecce, provincial Minister of Education.
He said Ontario tabled a “reasonable offer and expanded our offer through the negotiations with one interest in mind: landing a deal that keeps our kids in class. We have offered proposals to address compensation, job security and funding for additional staffing. A key issue that remains is resolving rising absenteeism rates, and the impact that has on students and schools”.
Lecce said the Crown and the Council of Trustees’ Associations (CTA) have been and will continue to negotiate in good faith.
“We remain fully committed to resuming discussions with Cupe to reach an agreement quickly to provide predictability to parents and students. On my direction, through our mediator, we have asked for additional bargaining dates to bring everyone back to the table so that we can ensure our kids remain in class.”