Here’s How The Education Workers’ Strike Will Affect Brampton Students
Published September 27, 2019 at 4:04 pm
On September 25, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that there will be a provincial strike starting September 30.
On September 25, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that there will be a provincial strike starting September 30.
Administrative assistants, food service workers, library technicians, and custodial, maintenance and audio/visual repair staff will begin job action across Peel. No other union or federation has indicated job action at this time.
What does this mean for students in Brampton public schools?
The Peel District School Board states that schools, childcare centres, and before and after school programs will remain open. However, some things a part of the school experience may be affected.
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“Schools MAY need to postpone or cancel programs, activities and/or events. If that happens, schools will communicate this directly to you as soon as possible,” says the school board.
According to Peel District School Board, CUPE provincial has indicated that their members will not operate the door buzzer system at this time, so during labour action, front doors into elementary schools–located next to school offices–will remain open during the school day. However, these doors will continue to be monitored using the existing door camera and visitors must sign in at the office before proceeding anywhere. All other exterior doors to elementary schools will remain closed.
“We understand that this provincial labour situation is causing uncertainty and frustration for students, staff and families. Student safety is a key priority and we do everything we can to minimize the impact of job action on students and families. We are closely monitoring negotiations and hope all parties can reach fair, mutually agreeable agreements as quickly as possible,” says the public school board.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce expressed disappointment with CUPE’s announcement.
“As the school year begins, it is important that parents, students and educators know that I remain on their side, committed to keeping kids in the classroom,” Lecce said in a statement. “I am disappointed that CUPE has decided to take this action.”
The government is also in the process of bargaining with several unions that represent teachers as contracts with teachers unions expired on August 31.
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