School Boards Set to Close Schools Next Week as Strike Looms

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Friday, 4 October 2019 09:47

Both the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board will shut down their schools next week if education workers go on strike.

OXFORD COUNTY - Both the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board will shut down their schools next week if education workers go on strike.

The TVDSB posted the following message on their web site last night.

On October 2, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced a full withdrawal of services (legal strike action) in Ontario schools beginning on Monday, October 7, unless progress is made at the central bargaining table with the Ministry of Education and the trustees’ association. After thoughtful discussion and considering all options, Thames Valley District School Board has decided to close schools for all students effective Monday,
October 7, unless an agreement is reached before that time.

If a settlement is reached, we will communicate with families as quickly as possible when students may return to class. We recognize the significant impact this has on families, staff and our school communities. Thames Valley will not be able to ensure student safety as more than 3,400 of our employees are CUPE members who will not be reporting to work if an agreement is not reached. CUPE staff include custodians, early childhood educators, educational assistants, school and central clerical, technical support (IT) and maintenance. Due to anticipated school closures for an indefinite period of time, families are strongly encouraged to make alternate arrangements for children. Our valued CUPE staff are critical front-line employees of Thames Valley District School Board. We respect the negotiation process and remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached at the provincial bargaining table.

Meanwhile the London District Catholic School Board posted this message last night as well:

While negotiations are expected to resume this Friday and continue through the weekend, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing education workers across the province has given notice that they will be engaging in full strike action beginning Monday, October 7 unless an agreement is reached.

If a labour agreement has NOT been reached by early on Monday, October 7:

In-school classes will be cancelled and all LDCSB schools will be closed to students. This cancellation affects all elementary schools, all secondary schools as well as adult, alternative and continuing education programs.

Other programs and buildings will be affected as follows:

- All sports and other extracurricular events are cancelled.
- The Board office will remain open.
- All before and after school programs are cancelled.
- All Community Use of Schools programs/events are cancelled.
- Daycare centres located at LDCSB schools are open/closed on a case by case basis. Daycare centres will be in contact with their families with additional information.
- Family Centres located at LDCSB schools are open/closed on a case by case basis.

Non-CUPE staff are expected to report to their school or workplace as usual.

We understand this may have an enormous impact on families. These decisions were made in the interest of student and staff safety, security and well-being. We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time. Please continue to monitor the LDCSB website, social media channels and SchoolMessenger for any updates.

CUPE represents roughly 800 LDCSB support staff, including educational assistants (EAs), early childhood educators (ECEs), school office staff, custodial and maintenance staff, librarians as well as others.