The union that represents 83,000 elementary school teachers in Ontario has announced plans to hold a strike vote after talks with the government have reached an impasse.
Late Monday afternoon, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), said it will soon hold in-person meetings to conduct central strike votes and address bargaining issues. These meetings will be held across the province beginning mid-September to mid-October.
The union said it has “repeatedly” tried to speak with the Ontario government about issues including improved supports for special needs students, violence in schools, compensation, fair and transparent hiring practices, workload and working conditions, as well as smaller class sizes.
“ETFO members have been without an agreement for almost a year. They have been patient, but their patience has run out. We need the Ford government to take bargaining seriously and to act in good faith, as required by law,” read a statement from ETFO President Karen Brown. “ETFO’s goal is to reach fair and reasonable agreements without having to take job action. We need the government’s full attention on bargaining so we can address pressing concerns in public education.”
Education Minister Stephen Lecce fired back Monday evening stating the province has been bargaining in good faith with all education unions and that the government is focused on securing a deal that keeps students in classrooms.
"After private mediation was rejected by teachers' unions to reach deals, we are available to meet every day to negotiate a deal that keeps students in class and improves the outcomes of students," read Lecce's statement. "I believe by staying at the table, we can and will reach a deal that keeps kids learning in classrooms where they belong."
Last week, the ETFO filed a complaint with the province's labour tribunal, accusing the government of failing to bargain in good faith after the province released an education memorandum last month.
The ETFO said the memo requiring elementary teachers to conduct mandatory early reading screenings twice a year for students in their second year of Kindergarten through Grade 2, violates members’ collective agreement rights and labour laws because early reading screening is subject of central bargaining.
ETFO members include public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Additional details about the collective bargaining and upcoming strike will be posted to the ETFO’s website.