Most public schools in the rainy River District will be closing their doors beginning Friday, November 4, in reaction to a planned withdraw of service.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents many of the school’s support staff, including secretaries, custodians, some Early Childhood Educators and education assistants have announced a full withdraw of service, which is expected to continue indefinitely until an agreement is reached with the province. Teachers are not represented by CUPE.
The Rainy River District School Board has chosen to close all schools, with the exception of Nestor Falls School, McCrosson-Tovell School, Mine Centre School, Ge Da Gi Binez Centre program, and United Native Friendship Centre Alternative Secondary School Program.
“As the safety of our students is a top priority, without these key staff members who keep our schools clean and ensure the safe arrival of students, we must close most RRDSB schools to students on Friday, November 4, 2022,” said the Board in a public statement. “If the protest is extended beyond Friday, November 4th, we will look to move to remote learning.”
The Northwest Catholic District School Board is closing all of its schools starting Friday.
“CUPE staff provide critical supports to students and help to ensure our schools and systems operate safely. Without student support and supervision and safe, clean buildings, TNCDSB must close schools to school-aged children for in-person learning,” the Board said in a statement. “We understand that closing schools is difficult for families, students, and our staff. We pray for a quick resolution to the labour issues between CUPE and the Province. At this time, we must make this difficult decision as we cannot ensure the safety of our students and staff without our CUPE employees present at work.”
