Starting today, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is engaging in a series of local meetings to prepare members for a work-to-rule strike action that begins on Tuesday, November 26, 2019. The action targets Ministry and school board administrative tasks and does not impact on students.
“We are making this known well in advance to assure parents that our strike action will not affect students, their learning or their safety,” said ETFO President Sam Hammond. “ETFO members will be withdrawing from Ministry and school board administrative activities, which will give them more time to focus on working with students.”
“Our goal is to turn up the heat on Premier Ford and his education minister, Stephen Lecce. It’s critical that they finally come to contract talks prepared to address the real issues of concern: more supports for students with special needs, the protection of Ontario’s Kindergarten program and critical issues like addressing violence in schools.”
Since June, ETFO has tabled these issues at central contract talks but the government has provided nothing but evasive non-answers, according to Hammond. Talks continued this week.
“Parents, teachers and education professionals know that the government’s agenda of cuts, not investment, in public education is harmful to our students’ education and future. We’re taking the legal steps available to us to get a better deal that supports our members and students and helps preserve Ontario’s world-class education system,” added Hammond.
“With an overwhelming strike mandate of 98% from voting members announced November 1, ETFO is mobilizing its teacher and education worker members for work-to-rule strike action in 12 days. We are holding meetings with school stewards across the province to ensure they are ready to take on leadership roles in their schools and worksites around work-to-rule.”
Further details on the specific withdrawal of administrative work starting November 26 can be viewed at etfocb.ca.