Monday marked the opening round in what is sure to be a contentious battle.
The Ford government opened contract negotiations with the union representing 55,000 Education workers across Ontario, including early childhood educators, school administration, bus drivers, and custodians.
The province’s current contract with the Canadian Union of Public Employees runs out August 31st.
The union says it wants better wages for its members and better education experiences for students.
Premier Doug Ford issued a warning at the end of June, before negotiations even began, saying all students must be in school this fall and not out because of labour disputes.
This is just the first of several education negotiations taking place in Ontario this week. Talks between the province and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation begin on Wednesday, and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association begins bargaining on Thursday.
