Another teachers' union in Ontario is reportedly heading back to the bargaining table.
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) will resume bargaining with the province on Monday, as directed by a conciliator appointed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour. The information was shared via an email to Blackburn News, and has been confirmed by OECTA President Liz Stuart.
"We are pleased to be getting back to negotiations," said Stuart. "However, it remains to be seen how serious the discussions will be. We would like nothing more than to focus on reaching an agreement, but the government needs to understand that their proposed cuts simply cannot stay on the table. At this point, the strike action planned for February 4 will go ahead."
A province-wide one-day walkout was held last week on January 21, and another is planned for February 4. OECTA members have already been working under work-to-rule in an effort to encourage the province to resume contract talks.
The email obtained by Blackburn News indicated that OECTA is confident a fair agreement can be reached that will not involve proposed cuts by the Ontario government.
On Friday afternoon, Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce praised the union's efforts to work toward resolving the stalemate.
"We look forward to the opportunity to negotiate to reach a settlement that keeps students in class and ends the union-led disruption that is affecting so many students across the province," said Lecce. "We continue to ask the unions to come to the table with realistic proposals that prioritize student success. Our students deserve no less."
