Labour Update at HWDSB
Labour Update – Letter to HWDSB families
October 30, 2022
Dear Families,
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) received official notice that on Friday, November 4, 2022, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents about 500 HWDSB caretakers and maintenance workers, may take strike action if a deal is not reached.
If a collective agreement has not been reached between the Government of Ontario and CUPE, a full withdrawal of services would occur as province-wide job action.
HWDSB is planning to implement contingency measures to keep schools safely open as long as possible.
Should a strike occur, families could expect the following as of Friday, November 4, 2022:
- SCHOOLS: HWDSB schools will remain open for teaching and learning during the instructional day, including excursions. This means that doors will open 15 minutes before bell time and will close 15 minutes after bell time. Please check your school’s website if you are unsure of bell times. Athletics and extra-curricular activities will be cancelled, as well as all rental permits on any board property.
- CHILDCARE: Existing Early Learning and Child Care centres (Birth to age 3.8) will be open on a modified schedule to align with the school bell times. Please speak with your child care operator for more details. EarlyON Child and Family Centres, all licenced before- and after-school programs, and all authorized recreation programs will be cancelled.
- MEETINGS: Regular scheduled meetings offered after-hours will move to, or continue to be offered in, remote using MS Teams. Examples include Board meetings, Committee meetings of the Board, School Council, Home & School Association meetings, and Expulsion meetings, etc.
As HWDSB implements contingency measures, we will:
- Monitor the conditions of schools during the potential job action
- Communicate with you if we are unable to maintain learning environments and need to close schools
- Keep you informed as labour developments occur, including the lifting of job sanctions
Please visit our Labour Updates web page at www.hwdsb.on.ca/about/labour-update
We regret that this development may put you in a difficult position. Our contingency plans focus on safety and allowing students to continue to learn during this time of uncertainty.
HWDSB values all education workers and union groups. We are committed to reaching fair, negotiated local agreements while maintaining positive long-term relationships with all staff.
Sincerely,
Dawn Danko, Chair of the Board
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, Director of Education
Updated on Tuesday, November 01, 2022.