An overwhelming strike mandate has been delivered by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association.
Just over 97% of instructors have voted in favour of authorizing strike action across the province.
Union President Liz Stuart says they’ve sent a message to the Ford government loudly and clearly that Catholic teachers will not accept any agreement that would be detrimental to learning and working conditions in schools.
Stuart adds the government will try to portray the results of teachers trying to escalate tensions, but she says the reality is that they created the situation by continuing to pursue their “reckless cuts to education.”
She notes their goal remains the same as before, which is to negotiate a fair collective agreement that respects teachers’ contributions, ensures the safety and well-being of teachers and students, and protects vital programs and services in schools.
Despite the vote being almost unanimous, the union is not currently in a legal strike position which means that negotiations will continue for the time being.
