Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association members picketed outside English Catholic Central School in New Liskeard January 21 as part of a province-wide one-day walkout. All teachers’ federations across Ontario are now taking various forms of strike action as negotiations for collective agreements on province-wide issues have stalled. (Staff photo by Diane Johnston) Diane Johnston
Speaker Reporter
DISTRICT – As the impasse continues between provincial negotiators and teacher federations over new contracts, teachers are stepping up their strike actions.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) began rotating, one-day strikes at select boards across the province earlier this week.
On January 24, ETFO members will stage a one-day walkout at District School Board Ontario North East (ONE), where it represents elementary teachers.
In response, Board ONE will close its elementary schools, including grade 7 and 8 wings located in high schools, for the day.
Board ONE’s high schools, meanwhile, will remain open.
Elementary teachers will return to class on Monday, January 27.
In a letter to parents, the board’s director of education, Lesleigh Dye, said online resources are available to parents and students when schools are closed.
For further information, see www.dsb1.ca/Board/Pages/Labour-Updates.aspx#/=.
In a news release, ETFO president Sam Hammond said Education Minister Stephen Lecce “seems prepared to let his government’s damaging cuts to public education proceed instead of taking a responsible approach at the bargaining table.
“In four months, there has been little discussion on ETFO’s proposals for: smaller classes where students get the help they need; more resources for students with special needs; protection of our world-renowned Kindergarten program; and fair compensation for educators.”
Earlier this month, Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce issued a statement criticizing ETFO’s escalating actions.
“Union leaders promised that their escalation would not impact students and their learning. Regrettably, they have again broken that promise, however we will uphold our commitment to parents, to stay at the bargaining table and work as hard as it takes to reach a deal, that keeps students in class.
“We have delivered a ratified deal, and most recently a tentative deal, with education unions to date, and we are working to deliver further agreements that achieve our priority of keeping students in class.”