By Jenn Watt

Trillium Lakelands District School Board is asking parents and guardians to make alternate childcare arrangements in case of a strike on Monday Oct. 7 that could lead to school closures.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees which represents educational assistants custodial clerical and library staff gave notice on Wednesday for escalating from work-to-rule to a strike.

TLDSB said it is “confirming details of the strike action and assessing the potential impact on school operations” and said if there is a strike it “ may result in school closures as of Monday Oct. 7.”

“Families are strongly encouraged to begin making alternate childcare arrangements prior to this potential strike beginning on Monday Oct. 7 2019. We will communicate directly to parents and guardians once a decision is made about potential school closures” the TLDSB statement reads.

The school board said that its priority is the “health and safety of our students.”

“We understand that a strike may have a significant impact on school communities and we appreciate that timely communication is important. We commit to providing you with additional details on the CUPE job action as soon as we can.”

In a press release CUPE says it is urging the province and Council of Trustees’ Associations to bargain with them through the weekend to avoid a strike. It has been reported that talks are resuming Friday .

Schools are open for staff and students for the rest of this week.