The Ontario government has introduced legislation to keep kids in class, impose a contract on education workers, and avert any possible strike action this Friday.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce said in a press conference on Oct. 31 that the move is in response to the refusal by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to withdraw their intent to strike on Nov. 4.
“If we do not act today with legislation, schools will close on Friday,” said Lecce, referring to the “Keeping Students in Class” Act.
CUPE, which represents about 55,000 education workers, has been seeking annual salary increases of 11.7 percent as well as overtime at twice the regular pay rate, 30 minutes of paid prep time per day for educational assistants and early childhood educators, and an increase in benefits and professional development for all workers….