Education officials say contingency plans are in place in the event that CUPE New Brunswick members walk off the job.
Bus drivers, custodians, educational assistants, and mechanics are among the more than 20,000 public-sector workers who are in a legal strike position.
Education Minister Dominic Cardy sent a letter to parents Wednesday night, just hours after the union announced that strike action is “imminent.”
“School districts have contingency plans in place to ensure learning continues, but families must be prepared for potential disruptions in their normal routines,” wrote Cardy.
Cardy said if strike action happens at any school, the first day will be an operational day so teachers and staff can prepare for home learning.
Everyone must be prepared for unannounced early dismissals as there may not be any notice for strike action in schools, he said.
Children with an educational assistant will not be able to access services normally received should schools move to home learning, but there will be plans “to ensure the continuity of learning for all our students to the greatest extent possible.”
In-person learning will continue if only school bus transportation is affected, but it will be left up to parents to organize transportation for students.
Once a school has been affected by strike action, Cardy said should be prepared for “sustained home learning” to help provide stability for students and teachers.
“We understand that this situation is stressful for families, especially during a new school year,” he wrote.
“However, I want to assure you that our experience managing the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the past year has demonstrated that the education system is flexible and adaptable.”
CUPE New Brunswick has not said when strike action could begin.
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