HRCE support staff reject tentative deal

CITYnews halifax \ By Mark Hodgins

There could be more labour action on the horizon here in Halifax.

CUPE announcing school support staff in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education have rejected a tentative deal reached with the school board last month, with wages reportedly the sticking point.

It’s expected the union and employer will return to the bargaining table Tueday, but HRCE regional director Steve Gallagher says CUPE remains in a legal strike position and job action could start this week.

If a strike does happen, Gallagher says schools will remain open, buses will still run and excel programs will continue, but EPA’s and other support staff won’t be at work and pre-primary programs will be paused.

Gallagher adds principals are planning for students who require the support of EPAs and how they will continue to access educational services “reasonably and safely”.