Ontario government and education workers avoid strike with tentative deal

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) says it has reached a tentative deal with the Ontario government to avert a strike after labour negotiations over the weekend. The deal will be taken to 55,000 education workers such as early childhood educators, custodians and administrative staff to vote on ratification. If CUPE members vote not to ratify the tentative agreement, all parties will have to go back to the negotiation table. The Ontario Public School Boards Association says it will continue to negotiate "a fair and fully funded agreement" with the other unions representing teachers and education workers. "This tentative agreement recognizes the important contributions of our vital education workers and the significant roles they play in our schools."