With a potential strike by the province’s approximately 55,000 education workers looming, parents around Simcoe County are wondering if classes will still be in session by the end of the week.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents staff including educational assistants, custodians and early childhood educators, announced Sunday that a strike could start as soon as this Friday, Nov. 4.
Oro Medonte resident Kelly Shelswell, whose daughter is in senior kindergarten, told BarrieToday that despite the disruption a strike would cause, she understands the rationale behind the potential move.
“Obviously a strike sucks for everyone. I don’t think they want to strike, but I think after five months of not having the contract in place, trying to negotiate and getting nowhere, it’s really the only leverage they have,” she said.
“What they are asking for isn’t astronomical. These are the people that keep the schools open, functioning and clean and provide above and beyond care — not only in the classroom but around the school.”
Although some school boards across the province have already stated they will close schools in the event of a strike, both the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) and the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) have yet to make any announcements.
Shelswell questioned who will keep the schools clean If the custodians aren’t working.
“We are coming back after two years of on-and-off pandemic where sanitization is key, and we are heading into what is already started to be a wicked flu and virus season, and if they’re not there, I don’t see how the schools can remain open," Shelswell said.
Collingwood resident Arron Gibson, a dad of two school-aged children, said he is frustrated with the prospect of a strike, but not with the education workers.
“If I’m frustrated with anyone here it's with the Ford government and Education Minister (Stephen) Lecce," Gibson said Monday. "Over the past several years they have shown time and again exactly their stance and it is not one that is for the public good but rather in service of their own careers and the enrichment of their donors.”
Gibson, whose daughters are in senior kindergarten and Grade 2 at public school board schools, said the workers deserve more money.
“The CUPE-backed education workers deserve this pay increase which is actually only in line with what cost of living increases and inflation in the province have required simply for them to stay at a standstill," said Gibson.
"Over the past decade, increases in wages have fallen far behind the cost of living increase. This isn't even really a raise but an adjustment back to the base level they were at a decade ago compared to the cost of living around them," he explained.
“These are vital and important jobs. These are not greedy people looking for a government handout, these are hard workers doing the work we all call essential and they are more than overdue for what they are asking," Gibson said.
Innisfil’s Shawna Powell told BarrieToday she hopes a deal is reached given the disruption and challenges kids have faced in the past two years due to the pandemic-related school closures.
“The educational workers and support staff are crucial in keeping the schools functioning and allowing our children to learn the way they should,” said Powell, adding she stands by the workers and hopes the government can come to terms and provide a fair outcome in what CUPE is asking for.
“They have been given minimal if not anything in regards to wage increases. (They) are currently making nothing near what they deserve and especially during this time of inflation we need to find a fair increase," said Powell
A letter sent out Sunday, Oct. 30 by the SMCDSB informed parents of the potential strike should CUPE not be able to reach an agreement with the province, noting with the Catholic board, CUPE only represents one employee group: custodial staff.
“We know that custodial staff play an important role in keeping our schools safe and clean. Strike action would undoubtedly have an impact on your child’s learning environment, especially as we continue to navigate COVID-19,” stated Director Education Frances Bagley in the letter to parents.
“At this time, we have not made a decision about whether we will keep schools open for student learning, should a full strike proceed. We must closely examine if, in the absence of custodial staff, we can ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone in our schools.”
Bagley acknowledged board officials understand that a decision to close schools would have a significant impact on families, and added the senior team will closely examine the situation and make a decision about potential school closures by the end of the school day on Monday, Oct. 31.
“At this time, we are encouraging you to begin exploring alternate arrangements for your children. We do remain hopeful that a fair contract can be negotiated or that full strike action is averted.”
In an email to BarrieToday, Sarah Kekewich, manager of communications with the SCDSB, noted CUPE represents the board's custodial and maintenance staff members, and said the board is expected to be able to share more information later today (Oct. 31) following an expected announcement from Lecce.
