Even as they walked in line Monday morning, education workers wanted to know what moves were being made by the province and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) leadership.
Many in line huddled around their phones to listen to Premier Ford’s latest message, straining to hear the words over the honks of passing supporters.
Ford agreed to repeal Bill 28 – legislation that imposed a contract and prohibited them from striking.
However, the protesters stayed in line, with placards on their chests describing the roles they take on in the education system: teaching assistants, custodians, secretaries and others.
CUPE workers and supporters on the picket line on Talbot Street in St.  Thomas, Ont.  on November 7, 2022. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London) 
They were joined by others equally interested in the labor confrontation.
Claudia Vicencio walked the line with a placard that read “labor lawyer.”  Vicencio is a lawyer for the Ontario Nurses Union and pulled no punches about the provincial government’s handling of this action, telling CTV News London, “What the Ford government has done is an attack on all workers.”
While steps were taken to put teachers back on the job, Vicencio remained adamant.  He says the government’s use of the non-existent clause is chilling.
“This is a government that says we don’t give a damn about the constitution. This is a government that says we’re in charge. We’re in power. We’re going to do whatever we want, the constitution be damned. We cannot, as a population, accept that.” , says.
Elizabeth Reavely’s daughter Claire is nine and attends Monsignor Morrison Catholic Primary School in St.  Thomas, Ont.  Claire is on the autism spectrum and Elizabeth is grateful for the educational aides who help her daughter.
“Frankly, they’ve been underpaid for years,” he says.
Elizabeth Reavely believes the provincial government’s spending cuts are having a negative impact, saying, “I think we’ve gotten to a point where this government has made enough cuts that they’ve pissed everyone off at this point.”
Even when word came around midday that the job action would be suspended, many workers and their supporters remained in the shopping line until the shift ended.  CUPE leadership say it was the support that came from the school communities, and beyond, that pushed the government to compromise.
Labor lawyer Claudia Vicencio of the Ontario Nurses Association walks in support of teachers on Commisers Road West in London, Ont.  on November 7, 2022. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London) 
“It’s very overwhelming and it just touches our hearts,” says CUPE 4222 President Mary Henry.  Her local represents workers on the Thames Valley District School Board.
He says the Ford administration needs to wake up to the economic realities people face, adding that many teaching assistants are leaving their jobs to move on to better-paying opportunities, even though they want to stay in the classroom and continue helping children.
Henry insists, “We’d love to be in schools, but for kids to get the help they need, they need us.”
Intervention lines remained full even as it was announced that workers would be returning to work, including locations on Commissioners Road West in London, Ont.  and at 750 Talbot Street in St.  Thomas — the location where Elgin-Middlesex-London Progressive Conservative MPP Rob Flack has his office.
Thames Valley District School Board chief executive Mark Fisher says from the board’s perspective, it was simply imperative to support parents and students as they dealt with the uncertainty and keep them informed – including news that they would be back in school on Tuesday .
“We are very relieved to announce that tomorrow schools will open for in-person learning.  We are back to a full range of activities and we certainly appreciate the patience of staff, students and the wider community,” he says.
Here’s a detailed look at how London school boards reacted to the news.

Thames Valley District School Board

In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) said all Thames Valley schools will be open on Tuesday for personal learning.
Before and after programs, child care centers and EarlyOn Family Centers will also be open Tuesday.
“Thames Valley is excited to welcome students and staff back to our schools and continue learning in person,” the statement said.

London District Catholic School Board

Meanwhile, the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) also announced on Monday evening that it would follow suit.
In a statement, the LDCSB said all schools and locations will be open for in-person learning starting Tuesday.
“It is expected that all CUPE staff will be in schools and offices on Tuesday and school operations will quickly return to normal,” the statement said.
Also reopening daycare centers, before and after school programs, community use of schools, St.  Patrick Adult and Continuing Education, family centers, co-op placements, after school tutoring and international language programs.

Viamonde School Committee

The French board was not affected during the withdrawal to CUPE.
A statement sent to parents by the French council said schools would be open for students on Monday.
“The Board continues to closely monitor developments between the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in Ontario and the provincial government.  At Viamonde, the vast majority of workers represented by this union, all custodial and maintenance workers, reported to work on Friday to perform their regular duties.  So everything indicates that Viamonde schools will be able to continue to ensure the health and safety of students on Monday.  Therefore, we have taken the decision to keep schools open and continue learning activities as planned.”
— With files by CTV News London’s Ashley Hyshka and Kristylee Varley
#TVDSB schools will be open for personal learning from tomorrow, Tuesday 8 November 2022. Before and after school programmes, EarlyON Childcare Centers and Family Centers in Thames Valley schools will also be open tomorrow.  pic.twitter.com/fsGJ9epBez

— Thames Valley DSB (@TVDSB) November 7, 2022