London parents hope for resolution ahead of possible CUPE strike

Parents in London say they are hoping the province will work with the union representing education workers to avert a possible strike. 

Several Ontario school boards have said they will shut down schools if support staff entirely withdraw their services. It’s a prospect that local parents said they’d like to avoid. 

“I think what looks best for the kids, that’s kind of what’s best for everyone,” said Steve Brinkley, a parent whose child attends St. George’s Public School. “That’s really what it’s all about, and I really hope maybe an agreement can be made, and it doesn’t get to that point…but if it does, then again, it’s just all about the kids.” 

Mediated talks between the province and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) broke down earlier this month, with both sides deadlocked on wages. 

On Sunday, CUPE gave the required five days’ notice for job action following a meeting between education workers and the government at the bargaining table. As a result, some 55,000 workers, including educational assistants, custodians and early childhood educators, are now positioned to go on full strike as soon as Friday. 

CUPE is looking for annual salary increases of 11.7 per cent against the government’s offer of two per cent a year for workers making less than $40,000 and 1.25 per cent for all others. The union wants overtime at twice the regular pay rate and 30 minutes of paid prep time per day for educational assistants and early childhood educators. 

Some London parents say the best possible solution is for the government and CUPE to reach a resolution before the end of the week. (Angela McInnes/CBC)

Hours after the news of CUPE’s notice, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced a new deal on Monday of 2.5 per cent annual raises to workers making less than $43,000, and 1.5 per cent raises for all others. 

The Ford government also said Monday it would table back-to-work legislation.

Leslee Newman’s daughter will need speech therapy once she’s settled into school. (Submitted)

Devon Cornelius, a father of two, said he was sympathetic to the workers but also concerned about added learning disruptions after years of pauses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I do not want to go through that again,” he said. “I just feel like there’s a lot of people who suffer with those strikes. Putting the kids out of school and going back to that home school model is just not okay.” 

Mom Leslee Newman said she’s in support of the strike if the government and CUPE can’t come to terms by the end of the week. Her daughter was born with hearing loss and will require speech therapy once she’s settled into life in Grade 1. 

“I think if it doesn’t go their way, they should just walk out. And especially with the Ford government trying to push them not to, I do not agree with that at all,” said Newman. 

“I do not support Ford at all. I support the workers that are with my child every day.”