The province’s Education Minister is being pressured by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario to get back to central contract talks.
A one-day walkout was held Monday across the Keewatin-Patricia School District and additional strikes are scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday.
Local EFTO President Kim Douglas says the job action is the only means for educators to force the government to get serious about negotiations and the future of public education.
Douglas says they know the strikes are a hardship for parents, but it’s crystal clear Stephen Lecce is only interested in cuts to education.
She is asking for parents to stand by instructors, stressing the programs the union is fighting for today will have an impact on the education of students now and in the future.
The EFTO has tabled revised proposals for: “smaller classes where students get the help they need; more resources for students with special needs; protection of Ontario’s Kindergarten program; and fair compensation for educators”.
She notes since late December, Lecce’s team has shown no interest in returning to contract talks to discuss the key issues affecting students, student learning and educators.
Elementary teachers have been without a contract since last August.
Douglas says provincial negotiators haven’t responded and have set no dates for future talks.
(Photo Credit: @solmamakwa)
