Here’s what school boards said they will do in case of a strike Monday

Once again, the union representing education workers is threatening to strike.

When negotiations between the Canadian Union of Public Workers (CUPE) and the Ontario government, ten of thousands of Ontario school support workers walked off the job to picket on Nov. 7. The province-wide strike and negotiations resumed the next day, when Premier Doug Ford repealed the bill that banned strikes and forced a contract on CUPE.

Now, CUPE is moving to strike again. On Wednesday, CUPE said if a contract is not reached by Monday the union will engage in a full strike.

School boards are making contingency plans for the coming week. Here’s what GTA school boards will do in case of a strike:

Toronto District School Board (TDSB)

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TDSB schools will be closed for in-person learning for all students if the union strikes Monday.

In a letter sent to parents Wednesday, the school board said students will be able to continue learning virtually, with some adjustments, if a strike should occur.

“Without the important services of nearly 15,000 CUPE employees, we cannot guarantee that our learning environments will remain safe and clean for all students,” the letter said.

“We remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached before Monday.”

The board asked parents to check www.tdsb.on.ca/labour and follow @tdsb on Twitter for updates.

Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)

TCDSB schools will close for in-person learning if the union strikes on Monday.

In a letter to parents Wednesday, the board said students will have access to remote synchronous learning while schools close if there is a strike on Monday.

“To ensure the health, welfare, and safety of our staff and students in the event of a full withdrawal of CUPE services, all TCDSB schools will be closed for in-person learning ,” the letter said.

“We pray that a negotiated settlement can be reached.”

The board asked parents to check www.tcdsb.org or follow @TCDSB on Twitter for updates.

York Region District School Board (YRDSB)

YRDSB Schools will close in the event of strike action. In a labour update on the board’s website, the board said schools will be closed to students on Monday if CUPE strikes.

“Families are strongly encouraged to make alternate arrangements for their children prior to the strike,” the board said.

“Parents are asked to remind students to take personal belongings home on Thursday in anticipation of the potential full withdrawal of services occurring.”

Full day child care programs at school location may continue, the board said, but these programs will close by 4:30 p.m.

Before and after school care programs will be closed.

The board asks parents to visit www.yrdsb.ca/bargaining or follow @yrdsb on Twitter for updates on labour.

York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB)

If CUPE strikes on Monday, YCDSB schools will move to synchronous virtual learning. The school board’s director of education, Demonic Scuglia, said the board would close schools for a strike in a letter to families on Wednesday.

“If there is a strike, please do not bring your child to school. There will be no supervision available for students,” Scuglia said.

“Please join us in continuing to pray for agreement between CUPE and the Government of Ontario that will keep our students in the classroom.

YCDSB labour updates can be found on www.ycdsb.ca.

Peel District School Board (PDSB)

PDSB schools will participate in remote while a strike occurs. In an update to PDSB’s website, the school board said synchronous virtual learning will take place as long as a strike lasts.

“Please note that the situation continues to evolve and the information provided on this page is based on what we know today,” the update said.

“We are monitoring the situation, and as it unfolds, we will continue to share updates with you.”

PDSB labour updates can be found on www.peelschools.org/labour.

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB)

DPCDSB schools will close to in-person learning if there is a strike on Monday.

In a letter to parents on Wednesday, the school board said synchronous remote learning will begin on Monday in case of a strike.

“Please advise your child of any personal items you want them to bring home on Friday in the event the labour disruption goes beyond Monday,” the letter said.

The school board advised parents to contact schools if their child needed a learning device during the strike.

Latest updates by the DPCDSB can be found on Twitter @DPCDSBSchools.

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