As you may know, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing educational workers is currently bargaining with the provincial government. The CUPE education workers include Early Childhood Educators, Executive Assistants, custodians, and clerical staff. In the event of any job action, including a potential strike, some schools and childcare facilities may close and/or shift to virtual learning. Parents will be notified of closures or shifts from in-person to on-line learning through their local school board and/or childcare facility communications channels.  

We understand that parents and caregivers may need to make alternative childcare arrangements. Parents with children attending a childcare centre within a school should confirm with the operator whether they will remain open during a labour disruption or strike. On-campus childcare services offered through the University will not be affected by the CUPE job action.   

We ask that managers, supervisors, chairs, deans, and academic directors be as accommodating as operationally feasible when considering requests for schedule flexibility from employees with childcare responsibilities resulting from CUPE job action. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

Child Care Support through Kids & Company 

We would like to remind employees that the University has an agreement with Kids & Company to provide backup childcare services for children ages 4 to 12 years. All their GTA childcare locations are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. This expanded service in the event of job action will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at many of their Ontario locations. 

Should you require alternative care for your child(ren) in the event of strike or labour disruption, you can make a request directly on the Kids & Co Backup Care Website.  

For childcare inquiries contact the Family Care Office at family.care@utoronto.ca or call 416.978.0951.