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News Item

CUPE Job Action Update

September 25, 2019

ALCDSB logoSunday, October 6

On Sunday, October 6 the Minister of Education announced that a tentative agreement has been made with CUPE.

ALL ALCDSB schools will be open on Monday, October 7. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

We look forward to welcoming all students and staff into our Catholic schools tomorrow.


Friday, October 4

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am writing to you today to provide an update with regards to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) job action. As you are aware, on Monday, September 30, 2019 CUPE initiated a job action with partial withdraw of services.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2019 CUPE provided notice that they will be escalating strike action to full withdraw of services commencing Monday, October 7, 2019 if an agreement is not reached by October 6, 2019.

If the strike proceeds, this will mean CUPE members will not report to work. Within our Board this includes positions such as: custodians, maintenance staff, school and board office based clerical, educational assistants, early childhood educators, information technology technicians and youth workers.

As CUPE represents over 500 of our school based staff, we would not be able to safely operate our schools. As always, student and staff safety is our priority.

Therefore, IF the strike proceeds, we will be closing our schools to students commencing Monday, October 7, 2019 until further notice.

This closure would include before and after school programming, full day child care and Early ON Centres.

Many factors were considered in this decision, including but not limited to:

  • the safety and wellbeing of students
  •  supervision
  • medical supports and care
  • safe operation of water and sanitation systems
  • conditions of classrooms and school building
  • overall safety and security.

    The declaration of and continuation of the strike is a result of central (provincial level) negotiations and decisions that will be made at that level. At ALCDSB, we do not control the decisions regarding the strike. We are uncertain of the possibility and duration of the strike and we recommend that you make alternative plans for the care of your children, in the event that the strike proceeds.

     The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board will continue to monitor this job action closely and will provide parents and guardians with updates through the board website www.alcdsb.on.ca and through school websites and social media.

     
    David DeSantis, Director of Education 


Before/After School Programs, Day Care and Early On Centres

For all childcare programs, families need to plan alternate arrangements for childcare on Monday. This will include Full Day Childcare, Before and After Care programs and Early On Centre programs. 

 

Community Use of Schools

Please note that all Community Use of Schools across ALCDSB will be cancelled commencing on Saturday, October 5, 2019 and will remain closed until further notice due to the withdrawal of services by CUPE.

Due to the current withdrawal of services, we are unable to provide staff to complete set up and cleaning following community rentals as this work falls under struck duties.

 

Extra Curricular Activities

If the strike proceeds, all extra-curricular activities at the school level, including sports, clubs and tournaments will be cancelled until further notice. 


We will continue to post updates here over the weekend as they become available. 




Thursday, October 3

On Monday, September 30, 2019 CUPE initiated a job action with partial withdraw of services.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2019 CUPE provided notice that they will be escalating strike action to full withdraw of services commencing Monday, October 7, 2019 if an agreement is not reached by October 6, 2019.

If the strike proceeds, this will mean CUPE members will not report to work. Within our Board this includes positions such as: custodians, maintenance staff, school and board office based clerical, educational assistants, early childhood educators, information technology technicians and youth workers.

CUPE represents over 500 of our school based staff. As always, student and staff safety is our priority in this decision making process. 

Therefore, IF the strike proceeds, there is a possibility of school closures beginning Monday.  

Many factors are being considered including, but not limited to:  

  • the safety and wellbeing of students
  •  supervision
  • medical supports and care
  • safe operation of water and sanitation systems
  • conditions of classrooms and school building
  • overall safety and security. 


The declaration of and continuation of the strike is a result of central (provincial level) negotiations and decisions that will be made at that level.

At ALCDSB, we do not control the decisions regarding the strike. We are uncertain of the possibility and duration of the strike.

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board will continue to monitor this job action closely and will provide parents and guardians with updates through the board website www.alcdsb.on.ca and through school websites and social media.

A letter will be sent home with all students with more information on Friday, October 4, 2019.  

Such a decision is complex but we will always put the safety of our students and staff at the forefront of our priorities and decision making. We appreciate your patience and understanding. 


Community Use of Schools

Please note that all Community Use of Schools across ALCDSB will be cancelled commencing on Saturday, October 5, 2019 and will remain closed until further notice due to the withdrawal of services by CUPE.

Due to the current withdrawal of services, we are unable to provide staff to complete set up and cleaning following community rentals as this work falls under struck duties.




Wednesday, October 2

Today the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) provided notice that they will be escalating strike action to full withdraw of services on Monday, October 7, 2019. 

ALCDSB is currently reviewing this announcement and any implications this may cause to our Catholic school community. Updates will be shared as soon as they become available. 



Monday, September 30

Today, CUPE will commence its job action with a partial withdrawal of services. Principals and Vice-principals will work together with staff to maintain a caring and positive school environment for students. 

As always, student safety and learning remain the top priorities of all ALCDSB staff. Our superintendents will be in daily contact with our schools during this time to assess any concerns that may arise.

Please understand that as the partial withdrawal of services continues, it may have a more significant impact on school activities, permits and school operations.

 

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board will continue to monitor this job action closely and will provide parents and guardians with updates and information via board and school websites and social media.

 

Below is a statement from the Minister of Education.

 

https://news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2019/09/statement-from-education-minister-on-end-to-latest-talks-and-cupe-job-action.html



Wednesday, September 25 

On Wednesday, September 25, CUPE confirmed that job action will begin across the province on Monday, September 30. Staff will report to their work sites for their regular work hours.  This is a province wide job action affecting school boards across Ontario.

Within the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board that includes positions such as: custodians, maintenance staff, school and board office based clerical, educational assistants, early childhood educators, information technology technicians and youth workers.

At this time, our schools remain open; however, all employees who are represented by CUPE will be participating in job action which may have an impact in our schools.

At all times, student safety and learning will remain our priority. Administration will work to ensure that the safety and supervision of our students is not compromised during this time.

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board will continue to monitor this job action closely and will provide parents and guardians with updates and information via board and school websites and social media.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. If you have any questions, please contact your school principal.

 A letter will be sent home with all students on Thursday, September 26.