Canada: Unionized educators and staff to strike across Ontario starting Nov. 4

Event

Education sector employees represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) plan to begin striking across Ontario Nov. 4. The purpose of the work stoppage is to protest failed contract negotiations with the provincial administration and demand higher wages. Labor leaders did not immediately indicate how long the strike may last.

The government of Ontario is attempting to pass legislation that would avert the strike; however, labor organizers have stated that education workers will walk off the job Nov. 4 whether the new bill passes in the legislature or not.

If the strike moves forward as planned, school districts across the province will likely suspend in-person classes. Although CUPE officials did not immediately release any specific plans for related gatherings, striking workers could stage demonstrations as part of their work stoppage. Police will likely deploy to monitor any protests that may materialize. While any such demonstrations will probably remain peaceful, isolated confrontations or low-level security incidents cannot be ruled out. Localized transport disruptions are possible.

Advice

Check school board announcements for school closures. Avoid any demonstrations that materialize as a routine security precaution and to mitigate the impact of any associated disruptions. Allow extra time to reach destinations near protest locations. Plan accordingly for increased absenteeism among employees who are parents or guardians of school-aged children.