Education workers in Ontario set to strike starting Friday

UPDATE:

The government says CUPE has dropped its wage demand from more than 11 per cent to six per cent a year. The government also says it will not fine union members $4,000 a day as threatened for missing work on Friday.

EARLIER:

The union representing 55,000 education workers is adamant on a strike planned for this Friday.

Early childhood educators, custodians and educational assistants are planning on walking off the job despite legislation that would make the strike illegal.

With no changes,  confirmed the strike to proceed on Friday “until further notice.”

Education Minister Stephen Lecce said that he won’t negotiate with proposals made by CUPE until the strike gets called off.

READ MORE: CUPE education workers plan to strike Friday, despite Ontario’s new back-to-work legislation

A bill is expected to pass Thursday from the Ontario government, which introduces a contract on the education workers to make the strike illegal.

Lecce said that because of CUPE’s strike, the government “has no choice” but to take action.

The fines for violating a ban on strikes will be $4,000 per day, while the union will receive a fine of up to $500,000.

Walton said that the union would fight the bill for fines imposed against employees, and that CUPE encourages outside financial assistance.

READ MORE: Schools boards make plans to stay open or close if CUPE goes on strike