An ongoing labour dispute may now be putting the safety of students at risk.
The union that represents support staff has ordered its members not to operate security systems at the main entrance to the schools. Approximately 60 schools across Ottawa have a buzzer system and 66 do not. Starting Monday, all schools have been ordered not to use the security buzzer. These changes are the result of strike sanctions by educational support workers across Ontario.
This has many parents concerned for their children's safety. "It doesn't seem quite right. I think safety through all of this is paramount - and I don’t know why they would do this," says Ingrid Hollander.
Parent Zoe Sutherland says she is hopefully a resolution between the union and the provincial government comes soon. She says, "It would be nice for it to be resolved, but maybe a full out strike action is what is required to resolve this situation."
Director of Education at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Jennifer Adams says the board is doing everything they can to keep students safe. "We have talked to our unions. They as well are concerned with student safety, and we have reassurances from the union. We know the culture in our school district, is if there is an at-risk situation or emergency situation, we know that every staff member will do what they need to make sure children and staff are safe."
School staff will continue to monitor people who come into the schools and visitors will be required to sign in and receive a guest pass.
