The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation has announced a one day strike.
It will take place on Wednesday, December 4th, with high school teachers and education assistants walking off the job.
Area high schools may be closed as a result.
Union President Harvey Biscoff says a lack of progress at the bargaining table is forcing the move.
“What the Crown brought to the table was absolutely nothing. Not one single proposal to place on the table even after we had begun a very mild withdrawal of services and political action.”
Biscoff says “The public, parents don’t want increased class sizes. They don’t want their students, their children to lose access to support staff. They don’t want mandatory E-learning.”
Education Minister Stephen Lecce is expressing disappointment over the job action.
“For teacher unions to leave the table, to turn their backs on our children, and to escalate to the point of compromising their education, is troubling for parents and for our government.”
Lecce is pushing for mediated talks.
“All parties that are truly committed to the success of our kids will consider every tool available to avoid strikes.”
Lecce says the government has been reasonable by making major moves at the bargaining table but notes the response hasn’t been matched by union officials.
