How will the possible education workers strike impact local schools?

Possible CUPE strike looms Education workers could strike by Friday but Ontario’s education minister hopes otherwise. Krista Simpson has local reaction.

With Ontario's education workers set to strike Friday if no deal is reached, how will their absence impact school boards in and around Waterloo region?

The union representing Ontario’s 55,000 custodians, early childhood educators, educational assistants and administrative staff in the public, Catholic, English, and French school boards gave its five-day notice to strike on Sunday.

Job action could begin on Friday, if a new collective agreement isn’t negotiated with the provincial government.

In response, the province is planning to table back-to-work legislation for education workers on Monday.

In a Sunday statement, Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) said the possible interruptions would not impact the day-to-day experiences of students, schools, or transportation.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) does not have any employees who work for WRDSB.

However, CUPE represents about 1,300 members of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. CTV News has reached out for comment from the board.

In a Sunday statement,Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) says they have CUPE employees, are closely monitoring the talks, and are making contingency plans to keep schools open.

Wellington Catholic District School Board has around 60 CUPE custodians and maintenance workers and promisedto provide contingency plans to families later Monday.

There are several CUPE members at Huron Perth Catholic District School Board. The board says they are awaiting the government and union responses before making any decisions.

More than 920 school board staff at Grand Erie District School Board are CUPE members. The board is also promising contingency plans for families later Monday.

There are no CUPE members at Avon Maitland District School Board as well as Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board.

Education workers in Ontario have been without a contract since Aug. 31. Despite several rounds of talks, a new collective agreement has yet to be negotiated.