“Remove the threat of a strike.”
That from Ontario’s Education Minister to the union representing 55,000 educational workers.
Stephen Lecce says the province will not engage in any further negotiations with CUPE until they withdraw the threat of a strike on Friday.
CUPE has sent the province a counter-offer and says it remains committed to negotiate with the province.
However, CUPE says if there is no negotiated agreement by Friday, a strike will take place.
The Ford government is trying to push legislation through that would force a contract on the union membership and by using the notwithstanding clause removes the union’s right to strike.
Earlier Wednesday, Queen’s Park descended into chaos as 18 NDP MPPs, including the interim leader, were ordered to leave the legislature after calling Premier Doug Ford and Lecce liars and pounding their desks.
