As a result of the failure of contract negotiations between the province and CUPE, the union representing support personnel in Ontario’s elementary schools, a strike is imminent. In the event of a strike, this would entail the absence of custodians, administrative personnel, and librarians from the schools.
Regarding prospective replies, neither of the school boards that represent the Kingston region has spoken up.
In an email to Global Kingston, Kelly Taylor, the communications officer for the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, stated that the organisation was aware of the problem and was watching it, but that no decisions regarding backup plans had yet been made.
The Limestone District School Board asserts that while it does have a plan in place, it is also keeping an eye on the situation to determine whether it will be necessary to use it.
“Decisions in this regard will be made in light of changing conditions. Health, safety, and wellness of students and employees are of utmost significance, and those considerations will actually direct all of our actions, according to Susan McWilliams, the LDSB’s superintendent of human resources.
In response to CUPE’s demand for yearly wage increases of 11.7%, the provincial government has given rises of 2% for those making less than $40,000 and 1.5% for those making more than that.
25% for all other employees.
CUPE claims that even though children are back in the classroom, staffing shortages and inflation have caused schools to have open positions every day, with members filling such positions despite their lack of qualifications.
“You hear that the 39 thousand is insufficient, but while that number may be the provincial average for Kingston, it is actually far lower. Education professionals make between $30,000 and $33,000, according to Erin Provost, local president of CUPE.
Starting on November 3, employees will be able to strike legally. — With information from Aryn Strickland.
School boards in the Kingston, Ontario, area are silent about a potential walkout by support employees.
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