CUPE Labour Update Oct. 24

Limestone Learning Foundation
CUPE Labour Update Oct. 24
Posted on 10/24/2022
Image of Labour update graphicSupport staff represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are currently in mediated contract negotiations with the Ontario Government, and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), which represents public school boards at the provincial table. The mediator has scheduled another bargaining date on November 1. CUPE will enter into a legal strike position on November 3, 2022. CUPE members here in Limestone, and across the province, participated in strike votes earlier this fall. 

Strike votes and conciliation are part of the bargaining process. While these are necessary preconditions for strike action, this does not mean that strike action is imminent. Should unions decide to take strike action, school boards would receive five days notice.  

Contingency plans regarding any potential labour disruptions, and how they may impact learning, will be made based on circumstances as they evolve. Student and staff health, safety, and well-being are of paramount importance, and will guide all decisions.  

The board values the work of all its employees and their commitment to student learning and well-being. CUPE employees provide critical services in our schools, and the withdrawal of those services, partially or fully, would create challenges.  

Student achievement and well-being remain our top priority and in the event of any withdrawal of services or strike action, the board will not compromise student and staff safety or security. 

We respect the collective bargaining process and are hopeful for a negotiated agreement. At this stage of the pandemic, we are also very conscious of the need for stability in the system and continuity of learning. We are closely monitoring negotiations and hope the parties can reach a fair, mutually agreeable resolution as quickly as possible.  

We appreciate that timely communication is important, and we commit to providing our school communities with additional details on any job action as soon as we can. Updates will be provided via regular school and board communication channels (websites and social media). 

In the Limestone District School Board CUPE Local 1480 represents Maintenance Workers, Courier Drivers, Caretakers, Office/Clerical Staff, Library Technicians, Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), Educational Assistants (EAs), Interpreters, Intervenors, Intervention Assistants, Communicative Disorders Assistant, Finance Staff (Payroll, Accounting, Purchasing), ITS Staff (Administrators, Specialists, Technicians and Analysts), Educational Services Staff (Technician and Coordinator), Outdoor Education Staff (coordinator, program manager). 


The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.