Ontario's Catholic teachers are moving forward with a work-to-rule campaign after contract talks with the province broke down on Thursday.
The negotiations stalled after just half a day at the bargaining table, according to the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA). The union, which represents 45,000 teachers across the province, said while it was able to make some headway with school board trustees, the government has not played a "constructive role."
“The government has been firm that they have no intention of reconsidering their reckless, unpopular cuts," said OECTA President Liz Stuart. "We came to the table ready to work through today and, tomorrow, but after only half-a-day, even the Ministry of Labour-appointed conciliator agrees there is not much more we can accomplish for the time being.”
With no new talks on the horizon, teachers will stop performing administrative tasks, such as conducting standardized tests, completing report cards, and attending Ministry of Education initiatives on Monday.
"Union-led escalation to a partial withdrawal of services, including targeting EQAO testing and report cards, hurts our children the most," Education Minister Stephen Lecce said in a statement released after talks were halted. "Parents are justifiably frustrated that teacher unions escalate every few years. That is why we are calling on the union to cease from escalating, and focus on reaching a deal that provides stability for our students."
The disconnect between Catholic teachers and the province came on the same day Ontario's public elementary school teachers warned of increased job action.
The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario has said as of Monday its members will stop supervising extra-curricular activities and taking part in field trips. It also issued a January 17 deadline to the province to address what it calls "critical issues" in bargaining. If that deadline is not met, rotating one-day strikes will be launched on January 20.