Published Monday, November 2, 2020 8:20AM EST
Last Updated Monday, November 2, 2020 12:10PM EST
The work refusal left only 11 adults to supervise children who remained at the school by mid-morning on Monday.
Last week, an outbreak of COVID-19 was declared at Glamorgan Junior Public School after nine staff members and two students tested positive.
Staff at Glamorgan Junior Public School stand outside the building during a work refusal on Nov. 2, 2020. (CP24)
Teachers at the school issued a statement anonymously to CP24 saying that they believe staff members from the isolated “wing” travelled to other parts of the school during the school day, presenting a risk to remaining staff and students.
They say they asked the principal and the Toronto District School Board to close the school or add new safety measures but that did not occur.
As a result, the remaining staff at the school are refusing to enter and work.
Don MacMillan of CUPE told CP24 that early childhood educators are also part of the work refusal, calling it a “terrible situation to be in.”
“The kids need to be in school, but we don’t need to be in an unsafe environment, by any means, by any sort,” he said.
No teachers enterted the school and the Minstry of Labour was on site investigating the work refusal.
Principal Teri Molnar issued a letter home to parents on Monday, saying the Ministry of Labour and Toronto Public Health found the school safe to continue operating.
“We want to reassure you that all health and safety precautions are being taken and that (Toronto Public Health) and the Ministry of Labour are not recommending any further steps be taken at this time,” she said.
In response to the work refusal, the TDSB sent four vice principals and support staff to the school.
By midday, there was a principal and vice principal, four vice principals brought from other schools, one occasional teacher, three lunchroom supervisors and one YMCA supervisor with the children at the school.
A total of 186 children showed up for school but that number dwindled as parents became aware of the work stoppage and brought their children back home.