ETFO’s Objects
Every organization has objectives that define its purpose and guide its work. The objects of ETFO are contained in the organization’s Constitution.
The objects of the Federation are:
- to regulate relations between employees and employer including but not limited to securing and maintaining, through collective bargaining, the best possible terms and conditions of employment;
- to advance the cause of education and the status of teachers and educational workers;
- to promote a high standard of professional ethics and a high standard of professional competence;
- to foster a climate of social justice in Ontario and continue a leadership role in such areas as anti-poverty, non-violence, and equity;
- to promote and protect the interests of all members of the Federation and the students in their care;
- to promote and defend the health and safety of members in the workplace; and
- to co-operate with other organizations in Ontario, Canada and elsewhere, having the same or like objects.
ETFO’s Priorities
While the programs and services of ETFO are designed with the above objects in mind, each year at the Annual Meeting the membership sets the organization’s priorities for the upcoming school year. ETFO’s priorities for 2021-2022 are:
1. To protect the local and provincial collective bargaining rights of all members.
2. To defend publicly-funded public education.
3. To serve the needs of the membership.
4. To provide for the professional development of members.
5. To advocate for social justice in the areas of peace, anti-poverty, non-violence, equity, and anti-racism.
6. To fight against anti-Black racism.
7. To advocate for the economic and labour rights of all workers.
8. To support international assistance and co-operation.
9. To advocate for the care and protection of the environment and actively engage in climate action.
10. To actively engage members in the Federation and labour movement.
11. To advocate for and protect the health and safety of members, both physically and psychologically.
Under the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, an elementary teacher who works in the English-language public education system is represented by ETFO. Based on this statutory representation, ETFO collects fees to support union activities. In addition, ETFO has organized other education workers, such as Designated Early Childhood Educators (DECEs), Education Support Personnel (ESPs) and Professional Support Personnel (PSPs).
Union fees are determined by the membership at the ETFO Annual Meeting each August. Fees are deducted from members’ pay cheques by school boards and submitted to ETFO Provincial Office.