Labour Updates

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Job Action Updates

This webpage is your source for information and updates concerning the labour situation with all Halton District School Board employee groups. View updates below for Both Elementary and Secondary Schools Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) job action.

Elementary School Labour Updates

November 20, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Dear HDSB families,

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

We were notified today (Sunday, Nov. 20) that the Council of Trustees’ Associations (CTA) and the provincial government have successfully negotiated a tentative settlement on central terms of a collective agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). As a result, CUPE members will no longer engage in a withdrawal of services and will report to work tomorrow (Monday, Nov. 21).

All HDSB schools will be open for in-person learning this week and beyond.

The details of the agreement remain confidential until ratified by all parties.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this time.

Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

November 18, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Labour Update for HDSB Elementary Schools

Nov. 18, 2022

Dear HDSB families of elementary students (Kindergarten - Grade 8),

As you are aware, CUPE intends to engage in a full withdrawal of services effective Monday, Nov. 21 if a provincial settlement is not reached by Sunday, Nov. 20. This will mean that CUPE members will be in a legal strike position and will not report to work beginning Monday, Nov. 21.

Out of an abundance of caution, if the CUPE strike proceeds and there is inclement weather, HDSB elementary schools will be closed on Monday, Nov. 21 and all students will switch to remote learning (independent). While significant snowfall is not forecast, HDSB elementary schools would not be able to open safely if there is any amount of snow, due to the absence of snow removal services as a result of the strike proceeding.

In the event that elementary schools must close on Monday due to inclement weather, learning materials will be posted on Google Classroom by Period 2. As always, we will update families in accordance with our inclement weather communication protocols. If inclement weather is not an issue, elementary schools will be open for in-person learning on Monday, Nov. 21, as previously communicated.

If the strike continues past Monday, as previously communicated, we will move ahead with our original contingency plan effective Tuesday, Nov. 22. Elementary schools would switch to remote learning (real-time, teacher-led) for all students beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22 until further notice. All students with special education needs would also switch to remote learning beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Reminders

Before and After School programs at our schools will not be offered on remote learning days.
Transportation provided for elementary students by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will not run on remote learning days.
The HDSB will not be accepting new Community Use rental requests and all existing permits will be cancelled effective Nov. 21 until further notice.
The International & Indigenous Language Elementary Program (IILE) is cancelled effective Nov. 25 and 26 until further notice.
Picket Lines: CUPE members may picket at schools and Board offices. If you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.
Secondary schools (Grade 9-12): HDSB secondary schools will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District and the Grade 7 and 8 students attending these schools). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day during CUPE job action.

Further information
We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information and updates as we are able through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

November 16, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Nov. 16, 2022

Dear HDSB families of elementary students (Kindergarten - Grade 8),

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

We have been notified today that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) intends to engage in a full withdrawal of services effective Monday, Nov. 21 if a provincial settlement is not reached by Sunday, Nov. 20. This will mean that CUPE members will be in a legal strike position and will not report to work beginning Monday, Nov. 21. As a reminder, within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools. It does not represent educational assistants, early childhood educators or school support staff as it does in some Ontario school boards.

In the event of a strike beginning Monday, Nov. 21, HDSB elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) will be open for in-person learning for students on Monday, Nov. 21. Elementary schools will switch to remote learning (real-time, teacher-led) for all students beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22 until further notice. All students with special education needs will also switch to remote learning beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22.

While the HDSB has remained committed to doing everything we can to keep our schools open, that will no longer be possible in the event of CUPE strike action. Keeping our elementary schools open on alternate days for in-person learning, and every day for students with special education needs, is no longer sustainable given the enhanced cleaning measures and seasonal snow removal services provided by our CUPE staff.

This is a fluid and changing situation. The HDSB is monitoring the situation daily and decisions will be made accordingly and with the safety and well-being of students and staff as our highest priority.

Technology
Schools will provide information for families regarding the distribution of school-based technology (Chromebooks) for remote learning. Please note that devices will be provided based on need and availability. Technology support is available for families through the following online HDSB resources:

Reminders

Before and After School programs at our schools will not be offered on remote learning days.
Transportation provided for elementary students by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will not run on remote learning days.
The HDSB will not be accepting new Community Use rental requests and all existing permits will be cancelled effective Nov. 21 until further notice.
The International & Indigenous Language Elementary Program (IILE) is cancelled effective Nov. 25 and 26 until further notice.
Picket Lines: CUPE members may picket at schools and Board offices. If you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.
Secondary schools (Grade 9-12): HDSB secondary schools will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District and the Grade 7 and 8 students attending these schools). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day during CUPE job action.

Further information
We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information as we are able through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

November 7, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Dear HDSB families,

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

Today, CUPE advised that its members will return to work tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 8) following confirmation from the Government of Ontario that it will rescind Bill 28, Keeping Students in Class Act. As a result, all HDSB elementary and secondary schools will be open for in-person learning every day. The HDSB’s plan to keep elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) open through an alternate schedule of in-person and remote learning is no longer required.

Within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools. School custodians will be at work tomorrow and will resume regular duties.

Further information

We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

Thank you for your support during this time.

Sincerely,

Curtis Ennis

Director of Education

Halton District School Board

Pronouns: he/him

November 6, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Nov. 6, 2022

Dear HDSB families of elementary students (Kindergarten - Grade 8),

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

As it is anticipated CUPE will extend the walkout into this week, HDSB elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) will alternate between remote and in-person learning, beginning with remote learning tomorrow (Monday, Nov. 7). Learning materials/tasks will be posted on Google Classroom by Period 2.

Students with special education needs: Elementary students with special education needs in self-contained Life Skills and Communications classes will continue to attend school in person each day. Students with special education needs who are not in these classes will learn remotely on Monday, Nov. 7. Principals will determine which students with special education needs may be accommodated remotely and those with needs that require in-person learning, and will communicate with families to confirm learning models for subsequent days by end of day on Monday, Nov. 7. Further information will be provided by your child’s school.

The HDSB remains committed to doing everything we can to keep our schools open. This is a fluid and changing situation. The HDSB is monitoring the situation daily and decisions will be made accordingly and with the safety and well-being of students and staff as our highest priority. We strongly advise that parents/guardians make contingency plans in the event that it becomes necessary to switch to remote learning every day.

Schools

Alternate Schedule for Elementary
The alternate day schedule for elementary students helps ensure we are able to implement contingency plans to address school cleanliness and ensure essential school operations are carried out safely during this period of job action. The HDSB will monitor the sustainability of continuing to keep our elementary schools open on alternate days for in-person learning.

In-person and remote learning schedule for Elementary students

Monday, Nov. 7: Students learn remotely (independent learning)
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Students learn in-person
Wednesday, Nov. 9: Students learn remotely (real-time, teacher-led learning)
Thursday, Nov. 10: Students learn in-person
Friday, Nov. 11: Students learn remotely (real-time, teacher-led learning)

HDSB Elementary Schools learning is day 1 in-person, learning, day 2 remote learning, day 1 in-person etc.

Technology
Schools will provide information for families regarding the distribution of school-based technology (Chromebooks) for remote learning. Please note that devices will be provided based on need and availability. Technology support is available for families through the following online HDSB resources:

Transportation
Transportation provided by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will be unaffected by this job action. Transportation will continue to run each day as scheduled, as some students with special education needs will be attending school in-person each day. Students not in the special education classes mentioned above should not get on the bus on Monday, Wednesday or Friday this week when students are learning remotely.

Reminders

Please be aware that you will likely see some disruptions to normal school operations and the physical condition of schools. The primary focus of Principals/Vice-principals is to ensure our schools are safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff. During this time, Principals/Vice-principals will be postponing non-essential and non-urgent activities such as school council meetings and school events.
Before and After School programs at our schools will continue to be offered on in-person learning days.
The HDSB is not accepting new Community Use rental requests and all existing permits are cancelled until further notice.
The International & Indigenous Language Elementary Program (IILE) is cancelled until further notice.
Minimizing Waste & Continuing Environmental Initiatives: To support our efforts to keep schools open, families are asked to minimize food waste and packaging. Families are asked to use reusable containers for food and practice “boomerang” lunches/snacks, meaning that all packaging or food waste is taken home rather than being disposed of in green bins or garbage cans in schools. In an effort to continue EcoSchools waste minimization efforts and other environmental initiatives happening at your school, we encourage you to bring home recyclable materials when possible.
Picket Lines: It is not anticipated that CUPE members will picket at our schools and Board offices. However, if you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.
Secondary schools (Grade 9-12): HDSB secondary schools will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day during CUPE job action.
Within the HDSB, CUPE represents custodial staff. It does not represent educational assistants, early childhood educators or school support staff as it does in some other Ontario school boards.

November 3, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Nov. 3, 2022

Dear HDSB families of elementary students (Kindergarten - Grade 8),

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

As you know, the Ontario Ministry of Education passed legislation that prevents CUPE labour action. CUPE has indicated that members will protest this in the form of a walkout on Friday, Nov. 4 and possibly beyond. HDSB elementary and secondary schools remain open for in-person learning on Friday, Nov. 4. This includes Before and After School Programs. Within the HDSB, CUPE represents custodial staff. It does not represent educational assistants, early childhood educators or school support staff as it does in some other Ontario school boards.

The HDSB remains committed to doing everything we can to keep our schools open. If the CUPE walkout extends beyond Friday, Nov. 4, HDSB elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) will reinstate our contingency plan (as shared with families on Oct. 30) to alternate between in-person and remote learning. This would mean that elementary students would learn remotely (independently) on Monday, Nov. 7. Learning materials/tasks would be posted on Google Classroom by Period 2 on Nov. 7.

Students with special education needs: Elementary students with special education needs in the self-contained Life Skills and Communications classes will continue to attend school in person each day. Transportation will continue as scheduled on Monday for these students. Students with special education needs who are not in these classes will learn remotely on Monday, Nov. 7. Principals will determine which students with special education needs may be accommodated remotely and those with needs that require in-person, and communicate with families to confirm learning models for subsequent days by end of day on Monday, Nov. 7. Further information will be provided by your child’s school.

This is a fluid and changing situation. The HDSB is monitoring the situation daily and decisions will be made accordingly and with the safety and well-being of students and staff as our highest priority. We strongly advise that parents/guardians make contingency plans in the event that it becomes necessary to switch to remote learning every day.

Alternate Schedule for Elementary Schools
The alternate day schedule for elementary students helps ensure we are able to implement contingency plans to address school cleanliness and ensure essential school operations are carried out safely during this period of job action. The HDSB will monitor the sustainability of continuing to keep our elementary schools open on alternate days for in-person learning.

In-person and remote learning schedule for Elementary students

Friday, Nov. 4: Students learn in-person
Monday, Nov. 7: Students learn remotely (independent learning)
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Students learn in-person
Wednesday, Nov. 9: Students learn remotely (real-time, teacher-led learning)
Thursday, Nov. 10: Students learn in-person
Friday, Nov. 11: Students learn remotely (real-time, teacher-led learning)

Reminders

Please be aware that you will likely see some disruptions to normal school operations and the physical condition of schools. The primary focus of Principals/Vice-principals is to ensure our schools are safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff. During this time, Principals/Vice-principals will be postponing non-essential and non-urgent activities such as school council meetings and school events.
Before and After School programs at our schools will continue to be offered on in-person learning days.
Transportation provided by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will be unaffected by this job action.
The HDSB will not be accepting new Community Use rental requests and all existing permits will be cancelled Nov. 4-6.
The International & Indigenous Language Elementary Program (IILE) is cancelled, effective Nov. 4, until further notice.
Minimizing Waste & Continuing Environmental Initiatives: To support our efforts to keep schools open, families are asked to minimize food waste and packaging. Families are asked to use reusable containers for food and practice “boomerang” lunches/snacks, meaning that all packaging or food waste is taken home rather than being disposed of in green bins or garbage cans in schools. In an effort to continue EcoSchools waste minimization efforts and other environmental initiatives happening at your school, we encourage you to bring home recyclable materials when possible.
Picket Lines: It is not anticipated that CUPE members will picket at our schools and Board offices. However, if you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.
Secondary schools (Grade 9-12): HDSB secondary schools will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day during CUPE job action.

October 31, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Oct. 31, 2022

Dear HDSB families,

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

Yesterday, you were notified of our plan to keep schools open in the event that CUPE were to engage in a full withdrawal of services effective Friday, Nov. 4. Within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools.

Today, the Ontario Ministry of Education introduced legislation that prevents CUPE labour action. As a result, the HDSB’s plan to keep elementary schools open through an alternate schedule of in-person and remote learning is no longer required. HDSB elementary and secondary schools will remain open for in-person learning each day.

Please be aware this remains a fluid and changing situation. The HDSB continues to monitor developments daily and decisions will be made accordingly.

We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information as we are able through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

October 30, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Labour Update for HDSB Families - Elementary Schools

Oct. 30, 2022

Dear HDSB families of elementary students (Kindergarten - Grade 8),

We have been notified that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) intends to engage in a full withdrawal of services effective Friday, Nov. 4 if a provincial settlement is not reached by end of day on Nov. 3. This will mean that CUPE members will not report to work. Within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools. It does not represent educational assistants, early childhood educators or school support staff as it does in some other Ontario school boards.

The HDSB is committed to doing everything we can to keep our schools open. To keep our schools open, HDSB elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) will alternate between in-person and remote learning beginning Friday, Nov. 4. HDSB elementary schools will be open for in-person learning on Friday, Nov. 4.

Elementary students with significant special education needs will continue to attend school in person each day. Principals will communicate with families to confirm learning models for students with special education needs by Wednesday, Nov. 2. Further information will be provided by your child’s school.

The alternate day schedule for elementary students helps ensure we are able to implement contingency plans to address school cleanliness and ensure essential school operations are carried out safely during this period of job action. The HDSB will monitor the sustainability of continuing to keep our elementary schools open on alternate days for in-person learning. Should our contingency planning prove unable to support the continued operation of our schools for in-person learning, we will notify you as soon as possible.

In-person and remote learning schedule for Elementary students

Friday, Nov. 4: Students learn in-person
Monday, Nov. 7: Students learn remotely
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Students learn in-person
Wednesday, Nov. 9: Students learn remotely
Thursday, Nov. 10: Students learn in-person
Friday, Nov. 11: Students learn remotely

This is a fluid and changing situation. The HDSB is monitoring the situation daily and decisions will be made accordingly and with the safety and well-being of students and staff as our highest priority. We strongly advise that parents/guardians make contingency plans in the event that it becomes necessary to switch to remote learning every day.

Please be aware that you will likely see some disruptions to normal school operations and the physical condition of schools. The primary focus of Principals/Vice-principals is to ensure our schools are safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff. During this time, Principals/Vice-principals will be postponing non-essential and non-urgent activities such as school council meetings and school events.

Before and After School programs at our schools will continue to be offered on in-person learning days.
Transportation provided by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will be unaffected by this job action.
The HDSB will not be accepting new Community Use rental requests and all existing permits will be cancelled, effective Nov. 4, until further notice.
All night school credit classes and the International & Indigenous Language Elementary Program (IILE) are cancelled, effective Nov. 4, until further notice.

Minimizing Waste & Continuing Environmental Initiatives
To support our efforts to keep schools open, families are asked to minimize food waste and packaging. Families are asked to use reusable containers for food and practice “boomerang” lunches/snacks, meaning that all packaging or food waste is taken home rather than being disposed of in green bins or garbage cans in schools. In an effort to continue EcoSchools waste minimization efforts and other environmental initiatives happening at your school, we encourage you to bring home recyclable materials when possible.

Picket Lines
It is anticipated that CUPE members may picket at our schools and Board offices. If you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.

Secondary schools (Grade 9-12)
HDSB secondary schools will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day during CUPE job action.

Further information
We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information as we are able through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

This withdrawal of services is a result of central bargaining taking place between the CUPE union, the Government of Ontario and the Council of Trustees’ Associations (CTA). To learn more about the Collective Bargaining process and current status updates, please visit this page: https://www.opsba.org/advocacy-and-action/labour-relations.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

Secondary School Labour Updates

November 20, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Dear HDSB families,

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

We were notified today (Sunday, Nov. 20) that the Council of Trustees’ Associations (CTA) and the provincial government have successfully negotiated a tentative settlement on central terms of a collective agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). As a result, CUPE members will no longer engage in a withdrawal of services and will report to work tomorrow (Monday, Nov. 21).

All HDSB schools will be open for in-person learning this week and beyond.

The details of the agreement remain confidential until ratified by all parties.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this time.

Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

November 16, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Nov. 16, 2022

Dear HDSB families of secondary students (Grade 9-12),

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

We have been notified today that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) intends to engage in a full withdrawal of services effective Monday, Nov. 21 if a provincial settlement is not reached by Sunday, Nov. 20. This will mean that CUPE members will be in a legal strike position and will not report to work beginning Monday, Nov. 21. As a reminder, within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools. It does not represent educational assistants, early childhood educators or school support staff as it does in some Ontario school boards.

HDSB secondary schools (Grade 9-12) will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day, as they are currently, during CUPE strike action.

Please be aware that you will likely see some disruptions to normal school operations and the physical condition of schools. The primary focus of Principals/Vice-principals is to ensure our schools are safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff. During this time, Principals/Vice-principals will be postponing non-essential and non-urgent activities such as school council meetings and school events.

Transportation provided for secondary students by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will be unaffected by this job action.
The HDSB will not be accepting new Community Use rental requests and all existing permits will be cancelled effective Nov. 21 until further notice.
All night school credit classes will be held remotely (real-time, teacher-led) effective Nov. 21 until further notice.
Minimizing Waste & Continuing Environmental Initiatives: Families are asked to minimize food waste and packaging. In an effort to continue EcoSchools waste minimization efforts and other environmental initiatives happening at your school, we encourage you to bring home recyclable materials when possible.
Picket Lines: CUPE members may picket at schools and Board offices. If you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.

Elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8)
In the event of a strike beginning Monday, Nov. 21, HDSB elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) will be open for in-person learning for students on Monday, Nov. 21. Elementary schools will switch to remote learning (real-time, teacher-led) for all students beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22 until further notice. All students with special education needs will also switch to remote learning beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Further information
We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information as we are able through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

November 7, 2022 - Read Labour Update

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

Within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools. School custodians will be at work tomorrow and will resume regular duties.

Further information

We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

Thank you for your support during this time.

Sincerely,

Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

November 6, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Nov. 6, 2022

Dear HDSB families of secondary students,

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation. Within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools. It does not represent educational assistants, early childhood educators or school support staff as it does in some other Ontario school boards.

It is anticipated CUPE will extend the walkout into this week. HDSB secondary schools will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day during CUPE job action.

Reminders for Secondary Schools

Please be aware that you will likely see some disruptions to normal school operations and the physical condition of schools. The primary focus of Principals/Vice-principals is to ensure our schools are safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff. During this time, Principals/Vice-principals will be postponing non-essential and non-urgent activities such as school council meetings and school events.
Transportation provided by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will be unaffected by this job action.
The HDSB is not accepting new Community Use rental requests and all existing permits are cancelled until further notice.
Night school credit classes at secondary schools will proceed in-person as scheduled.

Minimizing Waste & Continuing Environmental Initiatives: To support our efforts to keep schools open, families are asked to minimize food waste and packaging. In an effort to continue EcoSchools waste minimization efforts and other environmental initiatives happening at your school, we encourage you to bring home recyclable materials when possible.
Picket Lines: It is not anticipated that CUPE members will picket at our schools and Board offices. However, if you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.

Elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8)
The HDSB is committed to doing everything we can to keep our schools open. HDSB elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) will alternate between remote and in-person learning, beginning with remote learning tomorrow (Monday, Nov. 7). Elementary students with special education needs in self-contained Life Skills and Communications classes will continue to attend school in person each day. Further information has been provided to families of elementary students.

Further information
We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information as we are able through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

November 3, 2022 - Read Full Update

Nov. 3, 2022

Dear HDSB families of secondary students,

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation. Within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools. It does not represent educational assistants, early childhood educators or school support staff as it does in some other Ontario school boards.

As you know, the Ontario Ministry of Education passed legislation that prevents CUPE labour action. CUPE has indicated that members will protest this in the form of a walkout on Friday, Nov. 4 and possibly beyond. HDSB secondary schools will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day during CUPE job action.

Reminders for Secondary Schools

Please be aware that you will likely see some disruptions to normal school operations and the physical condition of schools. The primary focus of Principals/Vice-principals is to ensure our schools are safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff. During this time, Principals/Vice-principals will be postponing non-essential and non-urgent activities such as school council meetings and school events.
Transportation provided by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will be unaffected by this job action.
All HDSB Community Use Rental requests and existing permits in elementary and secondary schools are cancelled Nov. 4-6.
Night school credit classes at secondary schools will proceed as scheduled.

Minimizing Waste & Continuing Environmental Initiatives: To support our efforts to keep schools open, families are asked to minimize food waste and packaging. In an effort to continue EcoSchools waste minimization efforts and other environmental initiatives happening at your school, we encourage you to bring home recyclable materials when possible.
Picket Lines: It is not anticipated that CUPE members will picket at our schools and Board offices. However, if you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.

Elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8)
The HDSB is committed to doing everything we can to keep our schools open. If the CUPE walkout extends beyond Friday, Nov. 4, HDSB elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) will reinstate our contingency plan (as shared with families on Oct. 30) to alternate between in-person and remote learning. This would mean that elementary students would learn remotely on Monday, Nov. 7. Further information has been provided to families of elementary students.

Further information
We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information as we are able through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

October 31, 2022 - Read Labour Update

October 30, 2022 - Read Labour Update

Labour Update for HDSB Families - Secondary Schools

Oct. 30, 2022

Dear HDSB families of secondary students (Grade 9-12),

We are writing to inform you that we have been notified that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) intends to engage in a full withdrawal of services effective Friday, Nov. 4 if a provincial settlement is not reached by end of day on Nov. 3. This will mean that CUPE members will not report to work. Within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools. It does not represent educational assistants, early childhood educators, or school support staff as it does in some other Ontario school boards.

HDSB secondary schools (Grade 9-12) will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day, as they are currently, during CUPE strike action.

Please be aware that you will likely see some disruptions to normal school operations and the physical condition of schools. The primary focus of Principals/Vice-principals is to ensure our schools are safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff. During this time, Principals/Vice-principals will be postponing non-essential and non-urgent activities such as school council meetings and school events.

Transportation provided by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will be unaffected by this job action.
The HDSB will not be accepting new Community Use rental requests and all existing permits will be cancelled, effective Nov. 4, until further notice.
All night school credit classes are cancelled, effective Nov. 4, until further notice.

Minimizing Waste & Continuing Environmental Initiatives
To support our efforts to keep schools open, students are encouraged to minimize food waste and packaging. Please consider using reusable containers for food and practice “boomerang” lunches/snacks, meaning that all packaging or food waste is taken home rather than being disposed of in green bins or garbage cans in schools. In an effort to continue EcoSchools waste minimization efforts and other environmental initiatives happening at your school, we encourage you to bring home recyclable materials when possible.

Picket Lines
It is anticipated that CUPE members may picket at our schools and Board offices. If you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.

Elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8)
The HDSB is committed to doing everything we can to keep our schools open. To this end, HDSB elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) will alternate between in-person and remote learning beginning Friday, Nov. 4 with in-person learning. Elementary students with significant special education needs will continue to attend school in person each day. The alternate day schedule for elementary students helps ensure that we are able to implement contingency plans to address school cleanliness and ensure essential school operations are carried out safely during this period of job action.

Further information
We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information as we are able through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

This withdrawal of services is a result of central bargaining taking place between the CUPE union, the Government of Ontario and the Council of Trustees’ Associations (CTA). To learn more about the Collective Bargaining process and current status updates, please visit this page: https://www.opsba.org/advocacy-and-action/labour-relations.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,
Curtis Ennis
Director of Education
Halton District School Board
Pronouns: he/him

Dear HDSB families,

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

Within the Halton District School Board (HDSB), CUPE represents custodial staff in elementary and secondary schools. School custodians will be at work tomorrow and will resume regular duties.

Further information

We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information through SchoolMessenger, the HDSB website and the Board’s social media pages (Twitter/Facebook/Instagram).

Thank you for your support during this time.

Sincerely,

Curtis Ennis

Director of Education

Halton District School Board

Pronouns: he/him

Board Office

Halton District School Board
J.W. Singleton Education Centre
2050 Guelph Line
Burlington, Ontario, L7P 5A8

Numbers

Phone: 905-335-3663
Fax: 905-335-9802

Links

Email Us

Labour Updates

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Schools

In-person and remote learning schedule for Elementary students​

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Job Action Updates

In-person and remote learning schedule for Elementary students