The Province is a step closer to elementary teacher job action today as meetings are being held by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) to prepare members for a work-to-rule strike action that begins on Tuesday, November 26.
The action targets Ministry and school board administrative tasks and does not impact on students says a news release from the union.
See: Clock ticking. Elementary teachers get ‘no board’ report
“We are making this known well in advance to assure parents that this 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.”
The union's goal is to turn up the heat on Premier Ford and 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," said Hammond.
Talks continued this week.
“With an overwhelming strike mandate of 98 per cent 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.”
Details on the specific withdrawal of administrative work starting November 26 can be viewed at etfocb.ca.
ETFO represents 83,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals across the province.
