As CUPE Calls for Escalated Strikes Across Ontario, Ford Says Government Will Rescind Notwithstanding Clause if Strikes Halt

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) education workers strike on the picket line in Kingston, Ont., on Nov. 4, 2022. The Canadian Press/Lars Hagberg

The union representing thousands of education workers striking across Ontario for higher compensation says it will be calling for general strike action from other unions, both public and private, across the province on Monday.

Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters Monday morning that his government is willing to rescind the notwithstanding clause if the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) halts its strike.

“As a gesture of good faith our government is willing to rescind the legislation. We’re willing to rescind Section 33, but only if CUPE agrees to show a similar gesture of good faith by stopping their strike and letting our kids back into their classrooms,” he said.

“They have to go into the classroom. That’s the deal.”

Ford said CUPE “walked away from the negotiating table” and said the Ontario government “is very flexible” in negotiating wage raises, and urged the union to come back to the bargaining table.

“We’re willing to make a fair deal, one that offers more help for lower income workers. We want a deal that’s fair for students, fair for workers, fair for parents, and fair for taxpayers,” he said.

“I feel we can strike a deal, but [CUPE] needs to come back. They’re the only ones that have the ability to have the kids back in the classroom.”

CUPE, which represents over 55,000 education workers, said it will be holding a press conference in Toronto on Monday to speak to reporters about “escalating” the strike protests, which began Nov. 4 after the Ontario government passed legislation forcing new contracts on the workers.

CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn also said during a protest in downtown Toronto on Nov. 5 that they met “with other heads of unions” and are looking to “build resistance.”

“We will bring others to this resistance,” said Hahn.