Some support staff at Nova Scotia schools may be hitting the picket line later this month. The province’s English and French school boards warn negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to reach renewed collective agreements have not been successful. A conciliator has filed a report with the labour minister, declaring an impasse. A letter sent to parents Thursday afternoon says the union plans to strike on Oct. 26 if a deal can’t be reached, although no formal notice has been filed. The support workers do different jobs throughout the province. In Halifax, they include educational program assistants (EPAs) and library support specialists. “We are making plans to ensure that students who require the support of EPAs will continue to be able to access educational services reasonably and safely. Principals will begin reaching out to families who will be impacted to discuss these plans,” says Steve Gallagher, an executive director with Halifax Regional Centre for Education. “In the event of a work stoppage, Pre-Primary Programs will be paused.” The potential job action does not include teachers or EXCEL employees. CTV Atlantic has reached out to CUPE for more information. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
