The President for the Northwest Unit of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association says instructors are just trying to bargain a fair deal and return to the classroom to teach kids.
A one day walkout was held today (Tuesday) at catholic schools across the region to back contract demands.
Dryden’s Dan Maltais says there’s been no movement at the table.
“Met with them for 40 days and they haven’t got any proposals, any new ideas. Their negotiating basically in the media, announcing what they are going to do but not bringing anything to the table which is very frustrating.”
Maltais says “The Ford government is trying to balance its budget on the back of the students. All of the teachers are here for the kids, that’s why they got into teaching, so let’s get them back in the classroom.”
He notes there are several outstanding issues.
“There’s been a cut to the hiring. We’ve had positions that are no longer in our schools. Going to e-learning, which is not the best for all students. When you make it mandatory, some students, you are sort of setting them up for a bad experience.”
Maltais says another bone of contention is a reduction in funding for local school boards in the north.
The Association says it has no plans to ease up on job action.
Maltais says instructors will be back in the classroom on Wednesday.
However, he points out teachers will continue with their administrative strike where they aren’t participating in EQAO testing, report cards and government services.
Maltais warns if there is no movement in talks, the union may hold rotating strikes or have another full withdrawal of services in the near future.
