Call off the strike!

The potential closure of schools in boards across the province was avoided when a deal was struck between the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the government of Ontario just after 8 p.m. on Sunday night.

Distroscale

CUPE represents 55,000 school workers, mostly in support roles such as janitors, secretaries and educational assistants.

The union began a work-to-rule campaign last week and said that they would strike on Monday morning if a deal had not been reached by midnight.

After taking several days off, contract talks resumed late on Friday afternoon and the two sides announced late Sunday that they had come to an agreement.

“I am pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said just after 9 p.m.

“Families in Ontario will certainly be the beneficiaries of this because they ought to know with confidence that their child will be learning today, tomorrow and every day.”

Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

One of the main sticking points was sick days but Lecce said that all sides could leave the table feeling good about the agreement that was worked out.

“We believe that this deal represents a foundation upon which we can build upon,” said Laura Walton who represents Ontario school board workers for CUPE.

There had been much speculation that the strike, or the potential of one, would become an issue in the federal election. Federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is even scheduled to have a photo-op Monday morning to discuss Ontario education with teachers shut out of the classroom but Walton said the deal had nothing to do with the election.

“This deal was done because parents, students, families across this province spoke loudly to say that they supported us,” Walton said.

A strike would have seen thousands take to the picket lines while hundreds of schools shut their doors.

At least two dozen school boards across the province — including the three largest — said they couldn’t function without the CUPE workers, including custodians, early childhood educators and clerical staff.

While this tentative deal has been reached with CUPE inside workers, talks must still take place with teachers. As he spoke to the new deal, Lecce said it was proof that the Ford government could negotiate with education workers.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or

“We will continue to negotiate in good faith to ensure students in this province remain in class,” Lecce said.

– with files from Canadian Press