KAWARTHA LAKES-The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing school support staff has broken off talks with the government and have given notice of intended job action.
The union representing 850 staff locally and 55,000 across the province says it will begin a work-to-rule campaign starting on Monday. CUPE represents custodians, clerical workers and educational assistants.
One of the main issues is job security and the reallocation of funding.
Across the province, workers voted 93 per cent in favour of job action. In the Trillium Lakelands District School Board approximately 98 percent were in favour. They will be in a legal strike position as of September 30th.
Laura Walton with CUPE said staff would stop doing overtime and any extra duties they currently perform.
In a statement released today, Education Minister Stephen Lecce said talks broke down with the union over the weekend.
“Our government remains focused on keeping kids in the classroom and delivering a deal that gives students and parents predictability and certainty. This will not change,” Lecce said.
“I urge CUPE and the employers to come back to the table and direct their efforts toward reaching a deal as quickly possible. Our government remains available at any time to restart talks with CUPE and keep students in school. Kids and parents deserve no less.”
