SOUTH DUNDAS – Catholic schools in Eastern Ontario will be closed if CUPE education workers walk off the job on Monday.
The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario announced Thursday afternoon that if there is not an agreement between the province and CUPE’s 55,000 education members by October 6, the board will be forced to close its schools.
“The safety of students is our greatest priority,” said CDSBEO chair Todd Lalonde. “Therefore, due to
the vast and significant roles held by CUPE employees, the CDSBEO regrets that if strike action commences, all schools will be closed to students effective Monday, October 7, until further notice.”
The board says over 440 employees of its employees are members of CUPE. The strike action affects 31 per cent of its overall workforce. Board officials say the strike will affect many parts of school operations and it considered the safety and wellbeing of students.
Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board are meeting tonight to discuss the CUPE strike action.
School boards across the province have been announcing closure notices for Monday.
