The two largest school boards in Chatham-Kent and Lambton are preparing for a short school week ahead of planned walkout by CUPE members across Ontario.
Some 55,000 education workers remain at the centre of a fight between their union and the Ford Government.
MPPs met yesterday in an attempt to fast-track the “Keeping Students in Schools Act,” which allows for fines of up to $4000 per day against workers who take part in a strike. The government also plans to use the notwithstanding clause to prevent any constitutional challenges to the bill.
The opposition NDP were up in arms in the Legislature on Tuesday, saying use of the notwithstanding clause tramples on the basic rights of workers.
CUPE negotiators presented a counter-offer to the government late Tuesday and are awaiting a response.
Parents and caregivers are reminded that in the event of a strike, schools with both the St Clair Catholic and Lambton Kent District School Board will be closed on Friday.