WELLINGTON COUNTY –Local schools are open today despite the province-wide strike by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) education workers.
In an update issued Thursday night, the Upper Grand District School Board stressed that schools would remain open on Friday, Nov. 4, despite the withdrawal of services.
In the UGDSB, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) represents custodial and maintenance staff, as well as adult ESL instructors.
“Following Friday, we will assess each day and make a determination if schools will remain open and will communicate any decisions to close schools widely. We will do the best we can to keep schools open, however this will not be sustainable for many days without our valued CUPE employees,” states a Nov. 3 press release from the board.
Under the board’s contingency plan:
– before and/or after school programs and child care centres will remain open when schools are open;
– all Adult ESL classes offered through Continuing Education are cancelled on Friday. This includes the Adult ESL classes located at St. George’s Centre, Tytler Public School and the Wellington Centre for Continuing Education. Continuing Education staff will continue to communicate directly with students in the Adult ESL classes about plans for next week;
– community use of schools (CUS) permits at all UGDSB schools/sites will be cancelled from Nov. 4 to Nov. 6.
“We will reassess CUS possible further cancellations, and will communicate these cancellations to CUS permit holders directly,” board officials state.
The board is not anticipating protests or demonstrations to take place at school sites.
The union has announced plans for demonstrations at the offices of members of parliament.
“With schools remaining open at this time, we will be prioritizing keeping schools sanitary and safe – this will require the support of non-unionized staff in addition to their regular responsibilities. As such, there may be the need to reschedule or even cancel certain events, meetings and/or activities,” the press release states.
The board is advising the public to monitor its website: www.ugdsb.ca/labour for up to date information.
“Additionally, if we have to close schools next week, we will communicate this information widely. We encourage families to make arrangements for the possibility of school closures next week,” board officials state.
Catholic board
The Wellington Catholic District School Board, in a message on its website, also indicated all board schools will remain open to students and staff on Nov. 4
“Should there be an ongoing withdrawal of services by CUPE staff beyond Friday, conditions will be assessed, and it may be necessary to close schools the following week,” board officials state.
“We recognize the challenge of maintaining our schools without the necessary supports of our school custodians and maintenance workers.”
The board states a decision for closure of CUPE-staffed schools will be made on Friday late afternoon and will be communicated to staff, families, and education partners at that time.
“Non-CUPE staffed schools will continue to remain open as they are largely unaffected through this job action, the board states.
If school closures occur next week, instruction, the board will move to remote, online learning.
“Further information about online, remote learning will be provided in future communications if this is necessary,” officials state.
