NOTE: New FAQs will be added to etfocb.ca. Please check frequently for updates.
When is the strike vote?
ETFO is holding an online central strike vote for all 84,000 members from November 9 to 18, 2026.
How does the vote work?
Members will participate in one of two online voting processes for:
– teacher and occasional teacher members
– designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, professional support personnel, and other education worker members
Why is ETFO holding a central strike vote now?
A central strike vote is a legal part of the bargaining process that demonstrates members’ unity and strengthens ETFO’s position at the bargaining table. Our goal is to secure fair collective agreements and the resources, staffing, and supports that students and educators need.
This government continues to mislead the public about its investment in education while cutting per-student funding by billions. The accumulated funding shortfall for Ontario schools since 2018 is now a whopping $6.5 billion.
A strong strike mandate strengthens ETFO’s ability to push for the improvements that directly affect your daily work: lower class sizes, better supports for students with special needs, safer schools, manageable workloads, and fair compensation, including access to adequate sick leave.
What does voting “YES” mean?
Even if members vote in favour of strike action, that does not mean job action will happen immediately or at all. A YES vote gives ETFO the authority to take job action, if needed, ranging from work-to-rule to a possible full withdrawal of services. There isn’t a separate vote for work-to-rule. Members cast one vote authorizing the provincial Executive to determine the appropriate strike action, if necessary.
What is legally required for a strike vote to pass?
The Labour Relations Act establishes rules for taking strike votes. In order to authorize strike action (ranging from work-to-rule to full withdrawal of services), more than 50 per cent of those who cast ballots must vote in favour.
When will ETFO release its central strike vote results?
ETFO will release central strike vote results to members soon after the results have been compiled.
Does strike action start immediately after the voting period ends?
Several legal steps must occur before ETFO members can legally strike:
– A majority of members who vote must support strike action.
– ETFO must be engaged in the negotiation of central list items.
– Conciliation must occur, and a “No Board Report” must be issued.
– On the 17th day after the “No Board Report,” we are in a legal strike position.
– ETFO must then give five days’ notice before any strike action begins.
Will information meetings be held before voting opens?
ETFO held in-person information meetings in the spring and we will host virtual town halls, open to all members, on November 9 and 10. During these online meetings, members will receive confidential information about key issues at both central tables and learn about the purpose and importance of a strong strike mandate. You’ll also have the opportunity to get your questions answered.
How can I vote?
We will send instructions to members closer to the online voting window. You will need your ETFO ID number. Please ensure ETFO has your updated personal contact information. See below for how to update our records.
Is voting anonymous?
Yes. Each member’s credentials will automatically direct their ballot to the correct worker group, ensuring votes are counted accurately. All votes are anonymous. The vote is being conducted by an independent third-party provider.
I am a new member and don’t have an ETFO ID yet. What do I do?
If you are a new hire and have not received your ETFO ID, you may send contact information to ETFO member records using a special registration form. It can be found at etfo.ca/welcome.
I am on a board-approved leave. Am I able to vote?
Yes. If you are on a board-approved leave, you are considered an active member for the duration of your leave. You can confirm your status by emailing member records at memberrecords@etfo.org.
I am an occasional member and worked in June, but have not yet worked this school year. Am I able to vote?
Yes, as an occasional member, if you have worked (paid fees) within the last 120 working days than you are still considered an active member and eligible to vote.
I’m a designated early childhood educator and an occasional teacher. Do I vote twice?
Yes. Since central bargaining happens at two central tables, i.e., teacher/occasional teacher and education worker, ETFO is negotiating two separate and distinct collective agreements. This means that ETFO will be conducting two central strike votes – one for each table. Members vote for each group they are a member. For example, if you’re a DECE and an OT, you will vote twice, once for each group that bargains at separate central tables.
I’m a teacher/occasional teacher in two boards. Do I vote twice?
No. You are represented at the Teacher/Occasional Teacher Central Table regardless of how many boards you work for, so for the central strike vote, you will vote once.
How can I update my contact information with ETFO?
ETFO needs your personal email address and phone numbers. Use this online form to update your current contact information.