Teachers' unions and the Ontario government are calling for further negotiations
Unions for various Ontario schools are calling on the provincial government to start moving negotiations forward despite the government’s appeal for mediation.
Numerous education unions are calling on the government to reverse cuts and provide a wage increase that takes the current cost of living into account as well as repeal the new curriculum that saw four mandatory e-learning classes as well as cuts to teachers in necessary courses.
At a press conference on Nov. 18, the president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) Harvey Bischof, expressed his concern for the government’s cooperation.
“We haven’t seen the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, at the bargaining table. But, we see him in the media,” said Bischof. “On the one hand, we hear him talking about how he wants a deal but on the other hand, we see him whipping up fear and anxiety among students and parents.”
Lecce, who spoke about the talks during question period earlier in the morning, said: “The objective of this government since day one has been to land voluntary settlements with all unions to ensure that the children of this province remain in class. Today, we offered mediation to the unions.”
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) said in a press release on Monday that the “Catholic school board trustees have come to the table prepared to work constructively, but the government side is in complete chaos.”
Lecce maintained that that is not the case.
“While our government has been a reasonable force and student-focused at the bargaining table, the labour unions continue to take escalating steps towards strike action. Strike action could mean school closures, disruption, and uncertainty for students and parents,” said Lecce in a news conference prior to Monday’s question period.
According to Lecce’s press secretary Alexandra Adamo, the government is willing to work with the parties to find a suitable mediator. When asked about how the government can do so in a tight period of time, Adamo said, “OSSTF has received a list of mediators from the government. Once all parties agree on one, they will be brought in an expedited fashion.”
The education critic for the Ontario NDP, Marit Stiles said, “The minister says he wants to keep students in class. We all want that. He knows what the path is: to do that, they have to back away from these terrible cuts to education and start bargaining.”
On Nov. 28, Ontario secondary school teachers announced they will hold a one day strike on Dec. 4 in response to the lack of agreement between all parties.
Reported by: Mariam Nouser