Tensions are escalating between the Ford government and teachers unions.

Ontario’s four major teachers unions in the province say the back-to-school plan fails to keep students and staff safe.

They’ve released a letter alleging the plan violates occupational health and safety legislation and are requesting a meeting with Education Minister Stephen Lecce by next Friday.

On Thursday, Lecce announced that school boards will be allowed to access $500 million of their own reserve funds to achieve physical distancing in classrooms.

Ontario’s back-to-school plan will see students in kindergarten through Grade 8 return to school without any reduction in class sizes.