PARRY SOUND, ON- Students in Parry Sound may not have school on Monday.
According to the Near North District School Board (NNDSB), all schools will close on Monday if the planned strike by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) workers goes ahead.
The closure will be in place for the duration of the job action.
“We have explored every possible contingency plan to keep schools open,” read the notice from the board.
“At the Near North District School Board CUPE represents school clerical support, information technologist, custodians, central clerical support and library technicians. These employees are critical in maintaining the health and safety of our students and facilities through a variety of tasks.”
Those tasks include the following:
- building and school ground safety and security;
- safe water checks;
- administration of medication for students;
- washroom and water fountain cleaning;
- student supervision; and
- safe arrival programs.
The board says that their learning environments can’t be safe and clean for all students if the strike goes forward. While the strike is on, all non-CUPE employees will continue to work in schools and administrative centres.
The following programs will also be impacted if the strike actions takes place on Monday.
Child Care Operators and Program in NNDSB Schools
During the full strike action when schools are closed to students, third-party childcare, before and after childcare programs and Early On program will remain closed.
Community Use of Facilities Permits
During the full strike action, all community use of facilities permits are cancelled
Continuing Education
During the full strike action, all continuing education classes are cancelled.
Meetings
All school-based meetings will be cancelled during the full strike action.
The board is hopeful that a new agreement between the province and CUPE will be reached before Monday. If that happens, schools will remain open.