There is some good news for parents and grandparents of children who attend Ontario public schools.

Representatives for the province’s education workers have agreed to mediation with the governing Ford PCs in contract talks that have inched toward a strike.

William Kaplan also helped CUPE and the government reach a contract in 2019.

A statement from CUPE says the parties will meet on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

The news comes as CUPE awaits what’s known as a no board report, which if issued, means education workers will be in a legal strike position 17 days later.

The 55,000 education workers in the province include librarians, custodians, early childhood educators and office staff.

Union negotiators have asked for 11.7 percent annual raises over the new contract, while Education Minister Stephen Lecce says 2-percent increases have been offered for all those employees who make less than $40,000 and 1.25-percent for those who make more than 40K annually.