Article content
While almost everyone in the Thames Valley District school board was safe and warm at home during a major snow event that closed all London-area schools for two days this week, one group of employees was forced to get to work anyway.
Article content
And the head of the union that represents custodians says it isn’t fair that workers still have to go into schools when wintry conditions are considered unsafe for everyone else.
Article content
On Thursday, a school closure notice was sent out after many custodians already were at work, said Mary Henry, president of CUPE Local 4222, which represents 1,600 board employees including secretaries, early childhood educators and 700 custodians.
Schools also were closed Friday as the London region was walloped by a storm that dumped several inches of snow causing dozens of crashes, closed roads and cancelling some flights.
London police had warned drivers to “avoid unnecessary travel.” and advised travellers to slow down. Environment Canada warned blowing snow poses a significant hazard throughout the day on Thursday.
A memo from board officials stated: “In support of Thames Valley’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all staff and students, all Thames Valley schools will be closed today due to inclement weather.”
But that didn’t include the 700 custodians Henry represents, she said.
“All impacted facility staff are required to report to the workplace when (and) if it is safe to do so and must advise their supervisor if they’re unable to report to work,” the memo read.
Article content
Custodians were asked to “monitor their emails for updates” and let their supervisors know if it was unsafe to report to the workplace.
“They were told to stay at the schools and consistently shovel and salt,” Henry said. “(Even while) maintenance workers, also part of facilities, were instructed by their supervisor to stay home.
“When the custodian asked if they could go home even after they shoveled, they were told no.”
If it’s not safe for students and other employees, it’s not safe for anyone, Henry said.
Custodians are responsible for a building’s operation needs, water flushing, boiler maintenance, snow removal, cleaning and other daily needs, Henry said.
They make between $27 to $29 an hour.
“I’m deeply concerned that someone could be hurt or worse before the board (and) facility services include these members in their messaging,” she said. “We’re to be inclusive, not excluded and these members are really feeling unappreciated by their department managers.”
Geoff Vogt is Thames Valley’s superintendent of facility services and capital planning. He said on Friday that custodians and maintenance staff “are being asked to report to work when it is safe to do so to support the efforts in removing snow and making our sites ready for learning next week.”
In an follow-up email, interim education director Bill Tucker added: “School closures doesn’t mean a day off work.”
Recommended from Editorial
Share this article in your social network
