Starting Monday, the front doors of elementary schools in Halton region will no longer be locked during the day as a result of job action from support staff.

In a letter sent to parents on Friday, the director of education for the Halton District School Board says that support staff will begin job action on Oct. 5. 

“The front door will need to remain unlocked during the school day as secretarial staff are no longer able to unlock the door for visitors,” wrote Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.

“However, entryway cameras will remain in place and office staff will continue to monitor school entry.” 

In Halton schools, office staff reporsonsible for answering door buzzers and locking and unlocking doors are repsented by the Ontario Secondary Schools Teachers' Federation (OSSTF).

The Ontario government has not yet reached agreements with school support workers represented by the OSSTF or by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

Miller says these sanction will “significantly” impact elementary schools in Halton region. 

“Things you normally expect as part of the school experience will be likely cancelled or postponed,” Miller said. 

Miller said principals and vice-principals have been directed to cancel or postpone all but “core work of the school.”