Partial withdrawal of CUPE services continues

Limestone Learning Foundation
Partial withdrawal of services continues
Posted on 10/01/2019
Image of Labour Update graphicHere is an update regarding job action by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) across Ontario, and a partial withdrawal of services that began Sept. 30.

All of our schools remain open. Child-care centres and before and after-care programs operating inside our schools are also open. Student and staff safety is everyone’s primary concern, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely at both the Board and school level. School principals and vice-principals will take appropriate actions if needed.

We know that LDSB staff would never put a student at risk over following job action protocols. The Board values the work of our employees and we remain optimistic that a provincial agreement between the government, the employer association and CUPE will be reached soon. 

In Limestone, CUPE members include custodians, maintenance staff, office administrators, clerical staff, early childhood educators, educational assistants, communicative disorders assistants, and information technology technicians.

CUPE employees provide important services in our schools, and the withdrawal of any of these services will pose challenges. Although this job action is not a full walkout, some things you would normally expect as part of the school day may be affected. We appreciate your understanding and support as we modify school routines. 

Currently, there is no change to field trips, sporting events and extra-curricular activities. If schools need to postpone or cancel programs, activities and/or events, school administration will communicate directly with families as soon as possible. 

At this time, CUPE has instructed its members to implement specific withdrawal of services, including items such as sweeping of hallways or entrances and operation of the front door buzzer in elementary schools, and other custodial and clerical duties. These items may vary from school to school.

We understand that this situation is causing uncertainty and frustration for students, staff and families. Please know our staff is working together to minimize the affect these changes have on everyone. We appreciate your patience as we work together to ensure student and staff safety and the continuation of student learning.

We will continue to provide updates when change occurs. These updates will be provided via regular school and Board communication channels. The latest updates will always be available on our LDSB website home page and our social media accounts.

For more information, please contact:
Jane Douglas, Communications officer
Communications Officer
613-544-6925 x 311 | 613-328-0916 mobile
Karen Smith, Communications Officer
613-544-6925 x 314 | 613-328-0947 mobile

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.