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 asked you your opinion on the strike and people seem to agree with CUPE workers.
With that, there is still concern about what will happen with the kids.
The Ontario NDP, 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.
