Classes at the Renfrew County public and Catholic school boards will go on Monday, despite a looming strike by education workers. However, there is a hopeful sign this morning. The Ontario government and CUPE, the union representing the workers, are going back to the bargaining table today. The talks between the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the government are meant to try and head off a strike that the union set to begin Monday morning if no deal was made. Several school boards have said classes won’t be in session if the union’s 55,000 members walk off the job as part of their contract negotiations. However, both Renfrew County boards say if a strike happens they will proceed with a regular school day. The public board says secondary athletic events and inter-district games will be cancelled, and all Community Use Permits for schools will be cancelled. The Catholic board says school administration will be working diligently to complete safety and cleanliness procedures normally taken care of the caretakers, who would be part of any job action.
