Possible school support strike delayed after union does not issue notice
Classes will be in session Monday and Tuesday of next week after the union representing more than 5,500 school support workers did not issue a strike notice.
CUPE and the Regional Centres for Education and the Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial (CSAP) are in the last day of scheduled talks, Friday.
In an email to families late Friday afternoon, school boards say they are pleased CUPE has not initiated a labour disruption, but the union could still provide 48 hours’ notice of a strike at any time.
“We remain committed to supporting the bargaining process and hope discussions restart and lead to a settlement that avoids job action affecting students, families and staff,” reads the email.
The official opposition is urging the Houston government to reach a fair deal with the union.
In a news release, the NDP says Leader Claudia Chender and Education Critic Paul Wozney wrote to Premier Tim Houston and Education Minister Brendan Maguire Friday morning, calling on them to take action.
“We’re hearing from families who are deeply worried about what next week could mean for their kids,” says Chender.
“Families are facing the possibility of closed schools, cancelled buses and losing the classroom supports their children depend on.”
The strike could force schools to close, cancel bus routes, suspend pre-primary programs and affect supports for students with disabilities.
All eight locals across Nova Scotia, are affected in different ways.
More than 133,000 students attend public schools in Nova Scotia. The NDP say a strike could leave parents scrambling to find childcare, find transportation and cover additional costs.
Meantime, Mary-Dan Johnston with CUPE tells Acadia News as of Friday morning, there is no new information to share.
In a statement to Acadia News, Education Minister Brendan Maguire says they remain committed to supporting the bargaining process.
“[We] hope these discussions can lead to a settlement that avoids job action.”
