The countdown has started.

Tens of thousands of Ontario education workers will be in a legal strike position in 17-days — November 3rd.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says a conciliator has issued a ”no board” report, which the union requested earlier this month, saying contract talks were at an impasse.

CUPE still must give five-days notice of any job action.

So far there’s been no indication if education workers would engage in a full strike … work-to-rule or some other action.

However there are three days of mediation this week starting today.

CUPE which represents 55,000 members, such as early childhood educators, custodians and administration staff, is seeking annual salary increases of 11.7%.

The province has offered raises of 2% a-year for those making less than $40,000 and 1.25% for all others.