ONTARIO – Negotiations have resumed between provincial officials and CUPE. However, if an agreement between the province and the union is not reached by Sunday evening, over 50,000 education workers could walk off the job on Monday. But what does this mean for schools?
Toronto District School Board
If a strike takes place next week, Ontario’s largest school board said it will shut down starting on Monday.
“While we hope that an agreement will be reached and students and staff will be at school and work on Monday, should this strike occur, all TDSB schools will be closed for in-person learning for all students,” the TDSB said on Wednesday.
If the strike takes place, the TDSB will move to synchronous learning and distribute devices to students who need them.
Toronto Catholic School Board
TCDSB schools will close starting on Monday and students will have access to remote synchronous learning if a strike takes place.
“We know this time will be challenging for our students and families and we pray that a negotiated settlement can be reached,” TCDSB said in a statement.
For students who do not have devices for remote learning, the board is asking for parents to get in contact with their schools.
Peel District School Board
The PDSB said it will close schools and students will participate in remote learning on Monday if education workers strike.
The school board said approximately 2,500 full-time and casual staff will be absent if they walk off the job.
PDSB is asking families to reach out to their schools to organize picking up technology for their children.
Dufferin Peel Catholic School Board
The DPCDSB is planning to close on Monday and pivot to remote learning for the duration of a potential strike.
The board is asking parents to reach out to their schools if their child needs a device.
York Region District School Board
YRDSB announced their schools will close on Monday, with 4,000 caretakers, maintenance staff, and education assistants potentially striking next week.
“Families are strongly encouraged to make alternate arrangements for their children prior to the strike. Parents are asked to remind students to take personal belongings home on Thursday in anticipation of the potential full withdrawal of services occurring,” a YRDSB update said.
York Catholic District School Board
If CUPE resumes job action, YCDSB said it will move to virtual learning as of Monday.
Students will continue their normal schedules in this remote format.
“We know that it is very stressful for families and staff to consider the possibility of not having classroom instruction again. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our main priority. We will continue to provide you with updates as we learn more,” they said in a statement to parents.
Durham District School Board
Should a tentative settlement not be reached over the weekend, schools through Durham Region will be closed for students and virtual learning will begin.
Halton Catholic District School Board
On Monday, all HCDSB schools will close and shift gears to remote learning for the duration of the strike if a walkout occurs.
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board & Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
In the event of a mass walkout, HWDSB and HWCDSB said schools will shut down and transition to online learning. Students who need devices are asked to get in contact with their principals.
“We regret any disruption and/or inconvenience this may cause and pray that this complex matter is resolved as soon as possible in the best interest of students, staff and families,” HWCDSB said.
