Dear Families of the York Catholic District School Board,
On Sunday, October 30, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) – Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSCBU) provided notice of its intent to start legal strike action through a full withdrawal of services as of Friday, November 4, 2022. Yesterday, the provincial government introduced back to work legislation for CUPE members if a strike does occur on November 4 or after. After the government announced this back to work legislation, CUPE publicly stated that their members still plan to withdraw their services on Friday, November 4.
At York Catholic, our CUPE-represented staff include Custodial and Maintenance Staff, Educational Assistants/Interveners, Early Childhood Educators, Library Technicians, School Secretaries, Lunchtime Supervisors, Office Support Workers, Student Support Workers, Specialized Education Workers, Adult English as a Second Language and Extended-Day Language Instructors and some central office staff.
Our CUPE-represented staff are critical and essential to the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff in YCDSB school communities and workplaces. Any job action by CUPE members will significantly impact the operations of our schools and our ability to keep schools safely open.
While this situation remains fluid, we recommend that families start making alternative childcare arrangements. In the event of a full withdrawal of services by CUPE, YCDSB schools will be closed to students on Friday, November 4 and student transportation will not be available. Before and After Care Programs will not operate on Friday. Full-day Child Care Centers will have access to their facilities and can remain open at the discretion of the operator.
The status of our schools will be confirmed and communicated to families by 6 a.m. on Friday morning via SchoolMessenger , the YCDSB website and the YCDSB Twitter account.
The Board of Trustees and the senior leadership team value the democratic right of free collective bargaining and the legal rights enshrined under legislation and pray that the parties return to the table. We understand the challenges faced by our school communities, staff, parents and guardians during the collective bargaining process and thank you for your patience
Yours in Christ,
______________________ _______________________
Domenic Scuglia Elizabeth Crowe
Director of Education Chair of the Board