Only one OCSB school to remain open if CUPE doesn’t reach deal with province

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) has sent a notice to parents warning that schools may be closed Monday, if CUPE and the province can't come to bargaining agreement.

Staff members started a work-to-rule on Monday with CUPE President Laura Walton telling Breakfast Television Toronto the threat to walk of the job on Monday was needed to prove the union wasn't bluffing.

“I'm not sure if school boards took this work-to-rule serious,” said Walton. “There was a lot of make dues and work around's, but this is serious and how serious we are.”

“If there is no fair deal to be reached, make no mistake, CUPE members are ready for full strike action on Oct. 7,” Walton said.

Come Sunday evening, if the parties do not settle, The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) will cancel all transportation for Ottawa Catholic schools and all schools will be closed for students.

Only St. Nicholas Adult High School says it will remain open.

The Upper Canada District School Board(UCDSB) also plans to walk out on Monday, saying updates on talks will be posted to their website.

A strike would not affect Ottawa's English-language public schools.

CUPE represents around 1300 full-time employees and 1000 casual workers in the Ottawa Catholic School Board. CUPE represents 1,600 employees within the UCDSB.