CUPE's OSBCU President Laura Walton address the media during an online meeting. Nov. 20, 2022.

A second walk-out in as many weeks by education workers has been adverted.

Both the provincial government the Canadian Union of Public Employees announced earlier this evening that a tentative agreement had been reached and that schools would open to students on Monday.

The 55,000 secretaries, education assistants, librarians, custodians and other workers were poised to begin strike action to back demands for a new contract.

President of CUPE’s Ontario School Boards Council of Unions Laura Walton says the government has agreed to a one-dollar-an-hour increase for all workers but would not bend on the union’s demands for more money to address service shortages.

“We are bringing it to our members to have the vote. It is time for this to be a worker-centred site. It’s always been worker-centred. It’s always been worker-led. Perhaps when the members speak, this government will listen,” Walton.

The union is recommending its members accept the deal, but Walton says it falls far short of what they wanted.

“As a mom, I don’t like this deal. As a worker, I don’t like this deal. As the President of the OSBCU, I understand why this is the deal that’s on the table. I think it falls short, but I think it’s terrible that we live in a world that doesn’t see the need to provide services to kids that they need.”

Workers will begin voting on the deal Thursday with results to be released next Sunday.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce calls the tentative deal welcome news for students, parents, and workers.

“This is not a win for governments or education unions. It’s a win for Ontario families who finally have peace of mind knowing their children will remain in the classroom,” says Lecce.