Labour Updates

Labour Update #32 – Monday, April 20, 2020

OSSTF Reaches Tentative Agreement

On Monday (April 20), the Ministry of Education announced it reached a tentative agreement with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) and the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). The details of the agreement will remain confidential until ratified by all parties. OSSTF has suspend all job action.

Find the Ministry of Education's media release here.



Find OPSBA's media release here.

Find OSSTF's media release here.

Labour Update #31 – Sunday, March 22, 2020

ETFO Reaches Tentative Agreement

On Friday (March 20), the Ministry of Education announced it reached a tentative agreement with the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). The details of the agreement will remain confidential until ratified by all parties. ETFO agreed to suspend all job action while awaiting ratification from its members.

Find the Ministry of Education's media release here.

Find OPSBA's media release here.

Find ETFO's media release here.

Labour Update #30 – Friday, March 13, 2020

Job Action Suspended

All job action by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) is suspended from March 14 to April 5 due to the announcement by the Ontario government of school closures as a result of COVID-19 precautionary measures.

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #29 – Tuesday, March 10, 2020

All Grand Erie Elementary Schools to Remain Open as ETFO Focuses on Political Activities; Full Withdrawal of Services Looming After March Break

Yesterday (March 9), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) confirmed their members will focus on political activities during Phase 7 Job Action, which started on Monday.

This means all Grand Erie elementary schools will remain open to students this week and there will be no full withdrawal of services by ETFO members before March Break.

ETFO also announced that effective Monday, March 23, members will resume their full withdrawal of services if a central bargaining deal is not reached. In making this announcement, ETFO did not identify what type of withdrawal would take place (e.g., rotating or province-wide) nor did they indicate which school boards would be impacted.

ETFO is required to provide five days of notice to school boards prior to the start of any full withdrawal of service.

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #28 – Monday, March 9, 2020

All Grand Erie Secondary Schools to Remain Open as OSSTF Pauses Full Withdrawals of Service Through Friday, March 27

Last week, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) announced that escalated job action, in the form of increased work-to-rule sanctions, will begin today (March 9, 2020).

OSSTF also noted that they will pause their full withdrawals of services through Friday, March 27, meaning all Grand Erie secondary schools will remain open to students during this time.

OSSTF’s increased work-to-rule sanctions are not expected to impact students as they generally focus on administrative-related tasks and responsibilities.

For the latest labour updates and information, visit: www.granderie.ca or follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #27 – Friday, February 28, 2020

All Grand Erie Secondary Schools Closed to Students on Thursday, March 5 Due to One-Day, Full Withdrawal of Services by OSSTF

Today, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) announced that escalated job action will continue with a one-day, full withdrawal of services on Thursday, March 5.

This means that all Grand Erie secondary schools will be closed to students on March 5. Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education programs offered through Grand Erie, including GELA (Grand Erie Learning Alternatives), will also cancelled on March 5

All Grand Erie secondary schools will re-open to students on March 6 following the full withdrawal of services by OSSTF members.

Grand Erie elementary schools are not impacted by OSSTF job action.

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #26 – Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Grand Erie Elementary Schools to Remain OPEN to Students During Phase 6 Job Action by ETFO

Yesterday (February 24), the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced that escalated job action, in the form of Phase 6 Work-to-Rule, will begin in school boards across the province tomorrow (February 26).

During Phase 6 Job Action, which is expected to run through Friday, March 6, all Grand Erie elementary schools will be open to students as ETFO did not announce any full withdrawal of services for this time period.

During Phase 6 Job Action, ETFO members will do only their scheduled teaching and supervision assignments. Additionally, ETFO members will not agree to, or participate in, any additions or modifications to their schedule.

“While Phase 6 Job action will certainly have an impact on day-to-day school operations and present our elementary principals with some big challenges, we will do everything we can as a board to limit the impact this phase has on our students and their families,” said Board Chair Greg Anderson. “At all times, and in every decision we make, the safety and well-being of our students will be our highest priority.”

In announcing its Phase 6 Job Action, ETFO also stated that if an agreement isn’t reached by Friday, March 6 that it will start Phase 7 Job Action on Monday, March 9. ETFO did not provide any details on what Phase 7 Job Action would be.

ETFO members in Grand Erie include all elementary teachers, occasional elementary teachers, and all designated early childhood educators.

Grand Erie secondary schools are not impacted by ETFO’s job action.

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #25 – Wednesday, February 12, 2020

All Grand Erie Schools Closed to Students on February 21 Due to Province-Wide, Full Withdrawal of Services by ETFO and OSSTF

Today (February 12), both the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) announced that ongoing job action will continue next week in the form of a one-day, province-wide, full withdrawal of services on Friday, February 21.

For Grand Erie students and families, this means that all Grand Erie elementary and secondary schools will be CLOSED to students on February 21. All Grand Erie schools will re-open following the latest job action by ETFO and OSSTF.



For labour news and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).



Labour Update #24 – Wednesday, February 5, 2020

All Grand Erie Elementary Schools Closed to Students on February 11 and February 13 Due to Full Withdrawal of Services by ETFO

Yesterday (February 4), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced that ongoing job action will continue next week (February 10-14).

As a result, all ETFO members will participate in a one-day, province-wide, full withdrawal of services on Tuesday (February 11) and Grand Erie ETFO members will hold a rotating, one-day, full withdrawal of services on Thursday (February 13).

For Grand Erie elementary students and families, this means all Grand Erie elementary schools will be CLOSED to students on Tuesday (February 11) and Thursday (February 13) next week. Grand Erie elementary schools will re-open following each of the one-day, full withdrawal of services.

Grand Erie secondary schools are not impacted by ETFO’s job action.

For labour news and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #23 – Monday, February 3, 2020

All Grand Erie Elementary Schools CLOSED to Students on Thursday (Feb. 6) Due to Province-Wide Job Action by ETFO

All Grand Erie elementary schools will be CLOSED to students on Thursday (February 6) due to ongoing job action by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), which has planned a one-day, province-wide, full withdrawal of services.

All Grand Erie elementary schools will re-open to students on Friday (February 7).

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #22 – Friday, January 31, 2020 - 10:45 p.m.

All Grand Erie Elementary Schools CLOSED to Students on Monday Due to Ongoing Job Action by ETFO

All Grand Erie elementary schools will be CLOSED to students on Monday (February 3) due to ongoing job action by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), which has planned a one-day, full withdrawal of services at select school boards across the province.

All Grand Erie elementary schools will re-open to students on Tuesday (February 4).

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).







Labour Update #21 – Friday, January 31, 2020

All Grand Erie Elementary Schools Closed to Students Monday Unless One-Day, Full Withdrawal of Services is Cancelled by ETFO

Grand Erie District School Board is reminding families that all elementary schools are scheduled to be closed on Monday (February 3) due to ongoing job action by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), which has planned a one-day, full withdrawal of services.

Families should note, however, that ETFO remains at the central bargaining table. If progress is made, or a tentative deal is reached over the weekend, ETFO’s planned one-day, full withdrawal of services set for Monday may be cancelled.

When results of central bargaining are announced and ETFO makes a final decision regarding Monday, Grand Erie District School Board will share this information on the board’s website (www.granderie.ca) and Twitter account (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #20 – Monday, January 27, 2020

All Grand Erie Elementary Schools Closed to Students on February 3 and February 6 Due to Full Withdrawal of Services by ETFO

Today, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced that escalated job action, in the form of Phase 5 Work-to-Rule, will begin in school boards across the province next Monday (February 3).

During Phase 5 Job Action, ETFO members will not participate in extracurricular activities at any time. ETFO also announced that if a central agreement is not reached by Friday (January 31), it will continue its rotating, one-day, full withdrawal of services at select school boards and it will hold a province-wide, one-day, full withdrawal of services on Thursday (February 6).

For Grand Erie elementary students and families, this means schools will be closed to students on Monday (February 3) as well as Thursday (February 6) due to ETFO job action.

ETFO members in Grand Erie include all elementary teachers, occasional elementary teachers, and all designated early childhood educators.

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #19 – Wednesday, January 22, 2020



Grand Erie District School Board Not Issuing Term 1 Report Cards to Elementary Students as a Result of ETFO Job Action

Due to operational challenges associated with ongoing job action by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Grand Erie District School Board will not be issuing Term 1 Report Cards or the Kindergarten Communication of Learning.

Grand Erie parents/guardians were set to receive the Kindergarten Communication of Learning and Term 1 Report Cards (Grades 1-8) in mid-February. As part of their ongoing job action, ETFO members are not completing Term 1 Report Cards. Instead, they are providing school administrators with a class list of marks for the various subjects or strands taught and one brief comment per frame for the Kindergarten Communication of Learning.

“We greatly respect all of our staff and value their work with our students,” said Brenda Blancher, Grand Erie’s Director of Education. “We also respect ETFO’s right to work-to-rule. During job action, however, our Principals have to take on, or perform, a wide range of additional duties and responsibilities. We simply cannot add inputting marks and preparing Term 1 Report Cards to their plate.”

“At all times, and particularly during job action, the main focus and priority of our Principals as well as our Board is the safety and well-being of our students. With added duties and responsibilities for Principals during job action, we don’t want to compromise student safety or well-being. Not completing Term 1 Report Cards is a difficult decision to make, but one that must be made at this time.”

Grand Erie’s expectation is that communication regarding a student’s progress has been ongoing throughout the school year between teachers and parents/guardians. This includes progress reports in the fall, ongoing feedback and, where appropriate, daily updates on a student’s activities.

“As always, if parents/guardians have questions or concerns about their child’s academic achievement or well-being, they are welcome to contact their child’s teacher,” said Blancher.

“While Kindergarten Communication of Learning and Term 1 Report Cards will not be issued, it doesn’t diminish the great work that our elementary students have done over the first five months of the school year,” continued Blancher. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and these efforts will help them build on their knowledge as they move into Term 2 and the rest of the 2019-20 school year.”





Important Update (Wednesday, February 19, 2020):

Principals and Vice-Principals will not provide Term 1 Report Card marks/grades to Grand Erie families or students. Providing marks/grades without context creates a challenge for all involved. A full understanding of how a mark/grade was earned is necessary for this type of discussion to take place and that information is not available at this time due to ongoing job action by ETFO.





For the latest labour updates, visit: www.granderie.ca or follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #18 – Thursday, January 16, 2020

All Grand Erie Elementary Schools Closed to Students on January 21 Due to One-Day, Full Withdrawal of Services by ETFO

Today (January 16), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced that escalated job action in the form of a one-day, full withdrawal of services at select school boards across Ontario will take place on Tuesday, January 21.

ETFO members from Grand Erie are included in this full withdrawal of services. As a result, all Grand Erie elementary schools will be closed to students on January 21.

All Grand Erie elementary schools will re-open to students on January 22 following the one-day, full withdrawal of services by ETFO members.

Yesterday (January 15), the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) also announced that escalated job action in the form of a one-day, full withdrawal of services will take place at select school boards across Ontario on January 21 – including Grand Erie. This means that all Grand Erie elementary and secondary schools will be closed to students on Tuesday, January 21.

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #17 – Wednesday, January 15, 2020

All Grand Erie Secondary Schools Closed to Students on January 21 Due to One-Day, Full Withdrawal of Services by OSSTF

This afternoon (January 15), the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) announced that escalated job action in the form of a one-day, full withdrawal of services at select school boards across Ontario will take place on Tuesday, January 21.

OSSTF members from Grand Erie are included in this full withdrawal of services. As a result, all Grand Erie secondary schools will be closed to students on January 21.

All Grand Erie secondary schools will re-open to students on January 22 following the one-day, full withdrawal of services by OSSTF members.

Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education programs offered through Grand Erie, including GELA (Grand Erie Learning Alternatives), are also cancelled on January 21.

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #16 – Monday, January 13, 2020

All Secondary Schools OPEN on January 15; Grand Erie Not Impacted by the One-Day, Full Withdrawal of Services by OSSTF

Last Friday (January 10), the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) announced that escalated job action in the form of a one-day, full withdrawal of services at select school boards across Ontario will take place on Wednesday (January 15).

OSSTF members from Grand Erie are NOT included in this full withdrawal of services. As a result, all Grand Erie secondary schools will be OPEN on Wednesday, as usual.

All Grand Erie elementary schools will also be open, as usual, on Wednesday (January 15). OSSTF job action does not impact elementary schools in Grand Erie.

For the latest labour updates, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #15 – Friday, January 10, 2020

Phase 3 Job Action by ETFO Members to Begin Monday; Elementary School Field Trips, Extracurricular Activities and Assemblies Impacted

Phase 4 Job Action Scheduled to Begin January 20 Includes Full Withdrawal of Services

Yesterday (January 9), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced that escalated job action, in the form of Phase 3 Work-to Rule, will begin in schools across the province on Monday (January 13).

During Phase 3 Job Action, ETFO members will:

not participate in any field trips;

not participate in any extracurricular activities scheduled outside the regular school day;

not plan or participate in any assemblies, except to provide supervision to students.

Regrettably, this means that beginning Monday (January 13), all field trips for Grand Erie elementary students are cancelled. It also means that all elementary extracurricular activities scheduled outside the regular school day and any assemblies planned by ETFO members are also cancelled.

Additionally, ETFO also announced yesterday (January 9) that escalated job action, in the form of Phase 4 Work-to Rule, is scheduled to begin in schools across the province on Monday, January 20.

Phase 4 Job Action by ETFO members includes a full withdrawal of services on a rotating basis. In Grand Erie, a full withdrawal of services by ETFO members would result in the closure of all elementary schools to students.

ETFO members in Grand Erie include all elementary teachers, occasional elementary teachers, and all designated early childhood educators.







Labour Update #14 – Thursday, January 9, 2020

Grand Erie Will Not Administer the Grade 9 EQAO Mathematics Assessment During Ongoing Job Action

On Wednesday (January 8), the Minister of Education announced that school boards will make local decisions about whether the province-wide EQAO Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment will proceed during ongoing job action.

Grand Erie District School Board will not administer the Grade 9 EQAO Math Assessment, which was scheduled to begin next week.

The EQAO Mathematics Assessment typically accounts for a small portion of a student’s overall mark in their Grade 9 mathematics course. Another suitable method of evaluation for the course content will replace the EQAO portion at this time.





Labour Update #13 – Monday, January 6, 2020

All Secondary Schools OPEN on January 8; Grand Erie Not Impacted by the One-Day, Full Withdrawal of Services by OSSTF

On Friday (January 3), the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) announced that escalated job action in the form of a one-day, full withdrawal of services at select school boards across Ontario will take place on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.

OSSTF members from Grand Erie are NOT included in this full withdrawal of services. As a result, all Grand Erie secondary schools will be OPEN on Wednesday, as usual.

All Grand Erie elementary schools will also be open, as usual, on Wednesday (January 8). OSSTF job action does not impact elementary schools in Grand Erie.

For the latest labour updates, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #12 – Friday, December 13, 2019

All Secondary Schools OPEN on December 18; Grand Erie Not Impacted by the Next One-Day, Full Withdrawal of Services by OSSTF

This afternoon, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) announced that escalated job action in the form of a one-day, full withdrawal of services at select school boards across Ontario will take place on Wednesday, December 18.

OSSTF members from Grand Erie are NOT included in this full withdrawal of services. As a result, all Grand Erie secondary schools will be OPEN on Wednesday, as usual.

All Grand Erie elementary schools will also be open on Wednesday (December 18), as usual. OSSTF job action does not impact elementary schools in Grand Erie.

For the latest labour updates, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #11 – Wednesday, December 11, 2019



All Grand Erie Secondary Schools CLOSED to Students Due to Full Withdrawal of Services by OSSTF

All Grand Erie secondary schools are closed to students on Wednesday (December 11) due to a one-day, full withdrawal of services by members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF)

Secondary schools will re-open to students on December 12.

All Grand Erie elementary schools are open on Wednesday (December 11) as OSSTF's job action does not impact elementary schools in Grand Erie.





Labour Update #10 – Monday, December 9, 2019

Phase 2 Job Action by ETFO Members to Begin Tomorrow (December 10)

Last Friday (December 6), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced that escalated job action, in the form of Phase 2 Work-to Rule, will begin in all schools across Ontario tomorrow (December 10).

During ETFO’s Phase 2 Job Action, all Grand Erie schools will be open to students, and all staff will be at work. Phase 2 Job Action by ETFO members includes an increased withdrawal of services related mainly to administrative tasks that do not involve students.

ETFO members in Grand Erie include all elementary teachers, including occasional teachers, and all designated early childhood educators.

Grand Erie District School Board respects ETFO’s right to work-to-rule. During job action, the Board’s goal will be to resolve any issue that may arise quickly and efficiently. At all times, the safety and well-being of students will be the highest priority.

Grand Erie would also like to thank students, parents and families for their continued patience during this uncertain time.





Labour Update #9 – Friday, December 6, 2019



All Secondary Schools Closed to Students on December 11 Due to One-Day Full Withdrawal of Services by OSSTF

This afternoon (December 6), the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) announced that escalated job action in the form of a one-day, full withdrawal of services at select school boards across Ontario will take place on Wednesday, December 11.

OSSTF members from Grand Erie are included in the full withdrawal of services scheduled for Wednesday. As a result, all Grand Erie secondary schools will be closed to students on December 11. All secondary schools will re-open to students on December 12 following the one-day, full withdrawal of services by OSSTF members.

All Grand Erie elementary schools will be open on Wednesday, December 11. OSSTF job action does not impact elementary schools in Grand Erie.

“We continue to remain hopeful that an agreement with OSSTF will be reached before any further job action occurs,” said Greg Anderson, Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board. “In the meantime, we want to thank our students and our families for their patience during this uncertain time.”

For the latest labour updates, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #8 – Wednesday, December 4, 2019



All Grand Erie Secondary Schools Closed to Students Today (December 4) Due to OSSTF Strike

All Grand Erie Secondary schools are closed to students today (December 4) due to the one-day, Province-wide strike by members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF).

Secondary schools will re-open to students tomorrow (December 5) following the strike by OSSTF.

All Grand Erie Elementary schools are open today (December 4) as OSSTF’s job action does not impact elementary schools in Grand Erie.

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).







Labour Update #7 – Friday, November 29, 2019



All Secondary Schools Closed to Students on December 4 Due to One-Day Strike by OSSTF

Yesterday (November 28), OSSTF announced that escalated job action in the form of a one-day, Province-wide strike will take place on Wednesday, December 4.



As a result, all Grand Erie secondary schools will be closed to students on December 4. All secondary schools will re-open to students on December 5 following the one-day strike by OSSTF.

“Grand Erie remains hopeful that an agreement with OSSTF can be reached soon,” said Greg Anderson, Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board. “In the meantime, we want to thank our students and families for their continued patience and understanding during these uncertain times.”

Grand Erie elementary schools will be open December 4 as this job action does not impact elementary schools in the Board.

For the latest labour updates and information, follow the Board on Twitter (@GEDSB).





Labour Update #6 – Friday, November 22, 2019

Work-to-Rule Set to Begin for both ETFO and OSSTF on Tuesday (November 26)

Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)

On November 14, ETFO announced Phase 1 Job Action, in the form of work-to-rule, will begin in all schools across Ontario on Tuesday (November 26).

At Grand Erie, ETFO members include all elementary teachers, including occasional teachers, and all designated early childhood educators.

During Phase 1 Job Action for ETFO, all Grand Erie schools will remain open to all students; and, all staff will be at work.

Phase 1 Job Action by ETFO includes a partial withdrawal of services related mainly to administrative tasks that do not involve students.



Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF)

Yesterday (November 21), OSSTF announced that Phase 1 Job Action, in the form of work-to-rule, will begin in all schools across Ontario on Tuesday (November 26).

At Grand Erie, OSSTF members include all secondary teachers and occasional teachers, as well as Professional Student Services Personnel, which include: attendance councillors, behavioural consultants, child and youth workers, psychological consultants, social workers and speech pathologists.

During Phase 1 Job Action for OSSTF, all Grand Erie schools will remain open to all students; and, all staff will be at work.

Phase 1 Job Action by OSSTF includes a partial withdrawal of services related mainly to administrative tasks that do not involve students as well as information pickets where pamphlets may be distributed to visitors before school, after-school and over lunch.



Grand Erie District School Board respects the right of both unions to work-to-rule. During job action, the Board’s goal will be to resolve any issue that may arise quickly and efficiently. At all times, the safety and well-being of students will be the highest priority.





Grand Erie would also like to thank all parents and families in advance for their patience and understanding during this uncertain time.





Labour Update #5 – Sunday, October 6, 2019

All Grand Erie Schools Remain Open as CUPE Reaches Agreement

With the announcement that CUPE has reached an agreement in their current labour negotiations, all Grand Erie schools will remain open.

All students and staff are to report to school, as usual.





Labour Update #4 – Friday, October 4, 2019

Grand Erie to Close All Schools to Students on Monday (October 7) Should CUPE Proceed with its Full Withdrawal of Services

Following a careful evaluation of what the impact a full withdrawal of services by CUPE staff would have on the safety and well-being of all students, Grand Erie District School Board has decided that should an agreement with CUPE not be reached before the imposed deadline of 12:01 a.m. on Monday (October 7), all Grand Erie schools will be closed to students for the duration of this escalated job action.

“The decision to close schools is a last resort for the Board,” said Greg Anderson, Chair of the Board. “It’s not something we ever want to do. We firmly believe students belong in the classroom where important learning is taking place. Ultimately, however, we must ensure the safety and well-being of all students while they are at school and we simply can’t do that if our 730 CUPE members fully withdraw their services.”

CUPE members in Grand Erie include: School Secretaries, Custodians, Caretakers, Educational Assistants, Library Technicians, Food Technicians, central Clerical staff, Maintenance and Trades staff, Communication Disorders Assistants and Information Technology staff.

In addition to providing critical supervision for students, CUPE members are responsible for medical assistance, support and care for some of the Board’s most vulnerable students. They also ensure the safe operation of water and sanitation systems, including water flushing. They care for, clean, maintain and secure Grand Erie schools – both inside and out. They oversee the Board’s information technology systems, support parents, help run a wide range of events, activities and extracurricular programs, including sports. Finally, CUPE members play an important role in Grand Erie’s safe arrivals program that keeps students safe and secure each day.

“The Board regrets the impact this decision will have on parents and guardians who will need to make arrangements for child care during this closure,” said Anderson. “We also remain hopeful that a deal will be reached before the deadline passes this weekend.”

When results of the negotiations with CUPE are released this weekend, Grand Erie will confirm the status of schools for Monday. Information will be posted on the Board’s website (www.granderie.ca) as well as its Twitter (@GEDSB) and Facebook (GEDSB) accounts. The latest a decision will be made regarding the closure of schools is 6:30 a.m. on Monday (October 7).





Labour Update #3 – Wednesday, October 2, 2019

CUPE Announces Full Withdrawal of Services Set to Begin Monday

This morning, CUPE announced that escalated job action – in the form of a full withdrawal of services – would begin in schools across Ontario starting on Monday, October 7th.

At Grand Erie, CUPE members include: School Secretaries, Custodians, Caretakers, Educational Assistants, Library Technicians, Food Technicians, central Clerical staff, Maintenance and Trades staff, Communicative Disorders Assistants and Information Technology staff.

Grand Erie District School Board is currently evaluating what the impact a full withdrawal of services would have on the safety and well-being of students. At 1 p.m. on Friday, October 4th, the Board will announce whether schools will be closed should CUPE follow through with a full withdrawal of services next week. As a precaution, parents and guardians may want to consider alternative arrangements for child care next week should CUPE proceed with their escalated job action.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of parents/guardians and look forward to providing another update on Friday afternoon.





Labour Update #2 – Tuesday, October 1, 2019

CUPE Work-to-Rule Job Action Underway

Yesterday, CUPE began its work-to-rule job action. All Grand Erie schools and Board facility sites remain open to all students and staff.

Grand Erie respects CUPE’s right to job action and is working with local CUPE leadership regarding the impacts of these work-to-rule sanctions. At all times, the safety and well-being of our students is paramount.

We appreciate the patience and understanding from our school communities as we all work together in the best interests of students during this time.





Labour Update #1 – Thursday, September 26, 2019

CUPE Work-to-Rule Set to Begin Monday (September 30)

Yesterday, CUPE announced that job action, in the form of work-to-rule, would begin in all schools across Ontario on Monday (September 30).

In Grand Erie, CUPE members include: School Secretaries, Custodians, Caretakers, Educational Assistants, Library Technicians, Food Technicians, central Clerical staff, Maintenance and Trades staff Communicative Disorders Assistants and Information Technology staff.

All Grand Erie schools and Board facility sites will remain open to all students and staff.

We respect CUPE’s right to work-to-rule and aim to resolve any concerns as quickly as possible. At all times, the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of parents as we all move forward together during these uncertain times.