Schools reopen after CUPE calls off the strike.Ford Pledges to Repeal Law

Schools in Ontario are reopening for in-person learning today after an education workers’ strike forced hundreds to close from Friday.

The Civil Service Union of Canada says 55,000 education workers will return to work today after Prime Minister Doug Ford agreed to rescind a law imposing contracts on them.

The controversial law also forbids workers from going on strike, and although workers walked out anyway, the unconstitutional clause was used preemptively to prevent constitutional challenges. is.

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.

CUPE says it is still technically in a legal strike position, but will instead focus on renewed bargaining efforts and says its employees, including educational assistants, librarians and custodians, are “in good faith.” ‘I’m going back to school.

Negotiations resume today.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published on November 8, 2022.