Many parents breathed a sigh of relief in Barrie on Tuesday as children returned to the classroom after being forced to switch to online learning. With negotiations now on the table, Local CUPE 3987 president Jamie Cleroux says he’s cautiously optimistic and believes the strike could have been avoided. “That really wasn’t necessary. The removal of charter rights was precautionary. Just staying at the negotiating table would be the best thing,” says Cleroux. Local CUPE workers are back in schools today, providing services for students and staff. But Cleroux says that could easily change. “We are still in a legal strike position, so we could go back. There is every possibility of another strike,” he said. Cleroux says, for now, the union will take things day by day, as will local school boards. “I know both sides are back at the table and negotiations have started again. In the meantime, we will take things one day at a time as they come and respond appropriately,” says SMCDSB Communications Director Pauline Stevenson. Meanwhile, CUPE workers continue to wait for change. “We are not looking for something small. We’re looking for something fair,” says Cleroux. CUPE members have been without a collective agreement since August 31. With no clear solution in place, parents, students and staff will have to wait a little longer for answers.
