Once again, talks have “broken down” with the province after the Department of Education’s latest offer, which included a $1-an-hour increase every year.  The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) said both sides agreed to a 3.5 per cent wage increase.
However, the union wants the Ford government to guarantee higher staffing levels and early childhood educators in every kindergarten class.
On Wednesday, CUPE announced it would strike as early as Monday if a new deal is not reached in advance. 
Here’s how major school boards across the GTA are reacting to the news:


TORONTO DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 
If a strike takes place next week, the TDSB – the largest school board in the province – said it would shut down from Monday.
“While we hope an agreement can be reached and students and staff will be in school and at work on Monday, should this strike occur, all TDSB schools will be closed for in-person learning for all students,” the TDSB said late .  evening traffic on Wednesday.
Without 15,000 support staff, the school board said it could not guarantee schools would be “safe and clean”.
If the strike takes place, TDSB will shift to modern learning and distribute devices to students who need them as soon as possible.
Read the board’s full strike announcement here.


TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT BACK TO SCHOOL 
TCDSB has consolidated a contingency plan if its support staff leaves the job.  On Wednesday, they announced that their schools will be closed from Monday and students will have access to remote modern learning if a strike takes place.
“We know this time will be difficult for our students and families, and we pray that a negotiated settlement can be reached,” the TCDSB said in a statement.
For students who do not have distance learning devices at home, the board is asking parents to contact their schools.
Read the board’s full strike announcement here.


YORK DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 
With 4,000 superintendents, maintenance staff and teaching assistants set to strike next week, the YRDSB has announced that their schools will be closed on Monday.
“Families are strongly encouraged to make alternative arrangements for their children before the strike.  Parents are asked to remind students to take personal items home on Thursday in anticipation of a possible full withdrawal of services,” a YRDSB update said.
Read the board’s full strike announcement here.


YORK CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 
If CUPE goes ahead with the job action, the YCDSB said it will move to virtual learning from Monday.  Students will continue their regular programs in this remote format.
“We know it is very stressful for families and staff to consider not having classroom teaching again.  The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority.  We will continue to provide you with updates as we learn more,” they said in a statement to parents.
Read the board’s full strike announcement here.


PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 
The PDSB said it will close and students will participate in distance learning on Monday if education workers strike.
The school board said about 2,500 full-time and casual staff would be out if they walk off the job.
The PDSB is asking families to contact their schools to arrange technology pickup for their children.
Read the board’s full strike announcement here.


HALTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 
On Monday, all KEELPNO schools will close and shift to distance learning during the potential strike.
The school board will confirm the final plan no later than Monday at 6:30 a.m
Read the board’s full strike announcement here.


MONAVENIR CATHOLIC SCHOOL 
Csc MonAvenir said their schools will be closed on Monday and will continue modern learning through Google Meet.
Parents are asked to contact their schools if their child needs a Chromebook.


HAMILTON-WEDWORTH DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 
A decision on next week’s plans is pending for HWDSB schools.
However, the council said it would provide an update on Thursday “in time” to keep families informed.
Read the board’s full strike announcement here.


HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 
In the event of a mass strike, the HWCDSB said schools would close and switch to online learning.  Students who need devices are asked to contact their principals by Friday.
“We regret any disruption and/or inconvenience this may cause and pray that this complex issue is resolved as soon as possible in the best interest of students, staff and families,” HWCDSB said.
Read the board’s full strike announcement here.


DUFFERIN PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS 
DCDSB plans to close Monday and switch to distance learning during a possible strike.  The council is asking parents to contact their schools if their child needs a device.
“Our goal is to provide one device per family at priority level.  Be aware that there are a limited number of devices available at each school.  In areas where there are not enough devices, teachers will provide educational material packs for students to take home or parents/guardians can pick up at school on Friday 18 November or the morning of Monday 21 November.”
Read the board’s full strike announcement here.
At this time, Halton District School Board and Durham District School Board have not publicly submitted plans in the event of next week’s work action.