Nova Scotia’s educational institutions are cautioning parents about a potential strike by support staff later this month, which may significantly impact students. The regional centers for education in the province and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial have been engaged in contract discussions with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) for several months, according to a letter sent to parents on Thursday.
The negotiations have hit a standstill, as indicated in the letter. Halifax Regional Centre for Education’s executive director, Steve Gallagher, mentioned in the communication that unless an agreement is reached, CUPE plans to initiate strike action on Monday, October 26.
CUPE represents support workers in various regions, and the potential strike’s repercussions would vary across school districts. In the Halifax area, pre-primary programs would be halted during a strike, while classes for other grades would continue, the letter outlines.
HRCE is strategizing to ensure that students requiring assistance from educational program aides can still access educational services effectively and safely, given that these aides are CUPE members. The HRCE’s Excel program for before and after-school care will persist during the strike, according to the letter.
A notice from the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education shared on social media by a parent indicates that in-class learning would be suspended if CUPE members strike. Primary to Grade 4 students would transition to remote learning, while Grades 5-12 students would shift to online classes. Pre-primary programs and before and after-school care services would be put on hold.
Another letter from the South Shore Regional Centre for Education, also posted online, mentions that primary to Grade 6 students would continue attending school in-person if feasible during a strike, although there would be no bus transportation provided by SSRCE. Students in Grades 7 to 12 would move to online learning, except for those in Tier 3 Learning Centers who would still attend in-person.
Regarding the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education, a letter to parents highlighted that primary to Grade 6 students would attend school in-person if a strike occurs, but there would be no school bus transportation available. Grade 7 to 12 students would transition to online learning, except for those necessitating Learning Center support.