What’s happening in Rainbow Schools?
Classes for all in-person learners cancelled on Friday, November 4, 2022
Learning at Virtual School continues
Classes for in-person learners at all Rainbow Schools in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island are cancelled on Friday, November 4, 2022. Remote learning through the Virtual School will continue.
This is in response to additional job action related to bargaining at the provincial level.
Further to CUPE’s withdrawal of services announced earlier this week, Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) announced earlier this morning that its members will engage in a day of protest and withdraw their services on Friday, November 4, 2022.
Across the province, and from one school board to another, different unions represent different employee groups. Educational Assistants, who work directly with students who have special needs, are represented by OPSEU in Rainbow Schools. CUPE represents custodial and maintenance staff in Rainbow Schools.
“Given that, as of the OPSEU announcement this morning, we are also now without the services of 288 educational assistants over and above our 153 cleaners, custodians and maintenance employees who belong to CUPE, we can no longer ensure the health and safety of students,” said Rainbow District School Board Director of Education Bruce Bourget.
“We value our Educational Assistants as well as our Facilities staff. As always, we remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached.” He added: “We recognize that this is a difficult situation for everyone involved and thank you for your ongoing patience. Please be assured that we are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information as soon as possible.”
For labour updates, please visit rainbowschools.ca.
-30-
Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217