Face of Nation : Last-minute contract talks between the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Ontario government continue on Sunday, with a threat of a province-wide strike by education workers looming.
CUPE served notice on Wednesday that some 55,000 members, from office administrators to special education assistants to custodians, are prepared to walk off the job Monday if a deal can’t be reached. That notice was issued two days into a work-to-rule campaign. A strike by education workers would see the cancellation of classes and all recreational and after-school programs starting Monday.
On Thursday, school boards across Ontario sent notices to parents, warning that without custodians, clerical staff, education assistants and others on site, they cannot guarantee students’ safety and would be forced to close their doors. As the negotiations continued Sunday, a group of people, including union leaders and parents, gathered outside the meeting venue at Sheraton Centre on Queen Street West.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which is leading the rally, said they are standing in solidarity with CUPE in their ongoing efforts to reach a deal with the province. OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas said full-time and part-time support staff who were already downtown for another meeting have joined the rally.
“We represent education workers as well.… Not only are we out in solidarity and support, but what happens with CUPE certainly would have a profound impact on our bargaining,” said Thomas, whose own union will be heading into bargaining talks on Nov. 14.
Thomas said he wants the government to know that their fight with CUPE goes beyond just one union. “They’re picking a fight with a much bigger group than CUPE,” Thomas told CBC News. “All unions will stand with CUPE.”
“We are really, really worried about special needs kids, especially those that require one-to-one supervision and care by education assistants, and we’re worried about the health risks, about lead in the water if the pipes aren’t flushed, the accumulation of garbage,” Rizzo said. “These are our support workers and they make our schools function so that kids and staff are safe and kids can learn.”
