Near North closing schools if CUPE strikes

The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is warning parents that its schools wll close if CUPE strikes Monday.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents school secretaries, custodial and maintenance staff, IT technicians, library technicians, as well as some finance and board support staff.

Wednesday morning, CUPE gave five-day notice of a full strike, a requirement of The School Boards Collective Bargaining Act.

The strike would begin on Monday, Nov. 21. and NNDSB has determined "it is unable to meet the health and safety requirements for all students while the services of CUPE members are withdrawn."

See: School board braces for disruptions from labour unrest

"Unless the provincial CUPE negotiations are settled prior to Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, all NNDSB schools will be closed to in-person learning as of Monday, Nov. 21, 2022," says a letter to parents. "We are sending this message out as early as possible so families may make arrangements for alternative childcare."

Families will receive communication from teachers on Monday.

"All community use of school permits will be suspended as of Monday, Nov. 21 until further notice. NNDSB does not have the capacity to maintain safe conditions for permit holders," the letter explains.

NNDSB’s website has a new icon that directs families and stakeholders to a labour disruptions news page. It includes resources to support families and all communications that have been issued related to the disruption.

Should the labour disruption be settled over the weekend, additional information will be sent to families.

"We understand this labour action is challenging to families and appreciate your understanding as we navigate it together," says the letter.