Ford, Lecce discuss new negotiations with education workers after CUPE strike ends

As students across the province returned to in-person learning after a strike by the Canadian Union of Civil Servants (CUPE) forced many schools to close, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Stephen Lecce told education officials Tuesday I plan to discuss contract renewal negotiations with 2 days.

The press conference was originally scheduled to start at 9:00 am ET, but was postponed until around 9:30 am.

About 55,000 education workers, represented by CUPE, were killed just hours after Ford promised to repeal a bill that would use clauses to impose multi-year contracts and ban workers from striking. , ended the protest.

Bill 28 has met with fierce resistance from CUPE and other unions.

On Monday, just before CUPE held a press conference to show solidarity with more than 10 public and private sector unions, Ford announced it would reverse the law if CUPE cancels the strike.

The education ministry said the law will be repealed when parliament reconvenes next week.

CUPE says it is still technically in a legal position to strike, but has instead focused on renewed bargaining efforts, with its workers returning to school in “good faith.”