The schools of both the public and the Catholic boards in Niagara will be open Monday, after proviniclal negotiators and the Canadian Union of Public Employees reached a tentative deal Sunday evening.

The Ontario Public School Boards' Association announced the two sides had negotiated a tentative settlement on central terms of a collective agreement.

Had there been no deal, schools across Niagara and the rest of the province would have been closed Monday.

The details of the agreement remain confidential until ratified by all parties. CUPE has agreed to stop all job action while awaiting ratification of the deal, the school boards said in a statement.

Warren Hoshizaki, director of education for the District School Board of Niagara, said his organization is pleased with the news. “We believe the best place for students is in class and learning,” Hoshizaki said in a news release.

“We respect the rights of our staff to collectively bargain,” added board chair Sue Barnett. 

“We value the work done by our CUPE members and are glad a deal has been reached that allows student learning to continue uninterrupted. We appreciate the patience of parents as this process unfolded,” said Barnett. 

Cathy Abraham, president of the school boards' association, said, “All the parties worked hard together at the table to reach a fair and responsible agreement that will keep students in the classroom.”

“Education workers play an important role in our schools and this agreement is a recognition that we value the contribution they make to the educational experience of our students every day.”