IT WASN’T THE DEAL SHE WANTED. HERE’S WHY CUPE’S PRESIDENT WANTED SCHOOL WORKERS TO TAKE THE FORD GOVERNMENT’S CONTRACT OFFER ANYWAY

The deal wasn’t what she wanted to put before the 55,000 school custodians, early childhood educators and educational assistants following a round of tough, tense talks with the provincial government.

After announcing a tentative contract agreement had been reached last month, Laura Walton was visibly unhappy — she told reporters the deal “falls short” — but, after taking some time to step back and think about it, she ultimately voted in favour.