Ford government willing to return to bargaining with CUPE should the mediator request it, sources say

The Ontario government is willing to return to the bargaining table Tuesday with CUPE should the mediator request it - as legislation meant to avert a strike and impose contracts on school support staff is being debated at Queen's Park, sources tell the Star.

Although Education Minister Stephen Lecce was cool to the idea on Monday after tabling his Keeping Students in Class Act, sources say if CUPE were to withdraw its strike notice and come with a reasonable offer" government negotiators will listen.

The government presented its final offer to CUPE on Sunday afternoon and also asked the union not to go ahead with job action planned to start on Friday.

As it stands now, even with legislation in place by the end of the week, CUPE says it's 55,000 will walk off the job in protest on Friday, with the union covering the $220 million-plus in daily fines for what will be unsanctioned job action.

Mediated talks were already scheduled Tuesday through Thursday and Laura Walton, president of CUPE's Ontario School Boards Council of Unions said Monday that her team would put forward a revised offer, especially around wages.

We understand they may bring forth an offer through mediator this afternoon," said a source close to the talks.

Kristin Rushowy is a Toronto-based reporter covering Ontario politics for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @krushowy