On Monday the Ontario government introduced an anti-striking bill called Keeping Students in Class Act.
The government says the mandated agreement would see a salary increase of 2.5 percent for workers who make $43 thousand and below, and a 1.5 percent increase for workers who make over that amount.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce said during a media conference the government will continue to negotiate with all unions. He added the government must act to keep schools open, and protect children.
Minister Lecce says the union wanted a 50% increase which would cost $19 billion.
He also adds if it’s offered to CUPE it would be the starting point with all other educations unions due to the “me too” clause, which provides parity among unions.
myFM hit the streets to get a reaction from you, and while most people agree with CUPE workers, but are also worried about their children’s education.
The Ontario NDP and Liberals, and Green called the government back-to-work legislation and imposition of contracts on CUPE “bullying tactics”
‘CUPE announced during a press conference that none of their members will be at work on Friday but will instead hold a province-wide protest regardless of Ontario’s proposed anti-strike legislation.
The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario halted talks as they said in a statement they could not in good conscience sit across the table from the government after they tabled back-to-work legislation against CUPE.
LOCALLY:
myFM received the following email message from the Avon Maitland District School Board.
“There are no Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) employees who are members of the CUPE bargaining group. Therefore, the situation you might hear about between CUPE and the provincial government, will not impact AMDSB students. Our students will continue to be supported in all aspects of their learning.”
Written by Rob Ross and Kyla Close
