“It is extremely disappointing that we have not been able to reach a negotiated agreement at this time among CUPE, the Crown and the employer. As a result of the anticipated strike action, schools in many of our member boards will be forced to close to students for in-person instruction tomorrow, and for the duration of this strike action by CUPE members. Where schools are closed to in-person learning it is because they are unable to maintain the healthy and safe operation of schools for students without these critical education workers. We hope this disruption is short-lived and that we can get back to in-person learning as soon as possible.”