The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 55,000 support workers such as custodians, administrative staff and education support workers, said they were striking “until further notice,” hinting that the strike would continue into next week.
Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Steven Lecce voted through anti-strike legislation Thursday to impose a four-year contract on teachers that prohibits them from striking.
As part of the bill, striking workers could face a daily fine of up to $4,000, while the union could be fined $500,000.
If the maximum penalty is imposed, the daily bill could reach $220 million a day.
CTV News Toronto has live coverage of the job action below.
7:35 am
#Teachers is trending on Twitter in Canada. However, teachers are not on strike. It is education workers such as custodians, administrative staff and education support workers who are taking part in mass strike action today.
Also trending is #CUPE, which is the name of the union representing the striking members and stands for Canadian Union of Public Employees.
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if CUPE workers are necessary to keep schools open and kids in classrooms…then they are also necessary enough to get a decent wage. I urge you: Support CUPE workers… and stand up to starvation wages everywhere. #ISTandWithCUPE
— Dr. Amit Arya (@AmitAryaMD) November 3, 2022
7 am
Already, people are starting to prepare for the day outside Queen’s Park on this dark and foggy morning.
Supporters begin gathering at Queen’s Park for a strike by Ontario education workers on Friday, November 4, 2022.
6:35 am
Ontario education workers will gather at Queen’s Park for a rally expected to begin at 8 a.m.
Education workers will also picket outside local MPP offices.
6:20 am
How did we get here? Why is CUPE going on strike in Ontario?
This is a full breakdown of what CUPE is asking for in its negotiations with the Ford government, including the clause that does not apply.
6:15 am
Don’t know what to do with your kids today? Here is a list of fully supervised programs running.
5:30 am
Here is a complete list of school boards that will be closed due to today’s general strike.
From Friday 4 November and during the CUPE strike, all TDSB schools will be closed for in-person learning for all students. Read our latest job update here:
— Toronto District School Board (@tdsb) November 3, 2022
