Continued disappointment from Education Minister Stephen Lecce on the on-going teachers strikes in Ontario.
His latest comments come as the result of planned strike action by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association next Thursday.
Lecce says the strikes by the various unions have already resulted in millions of student days lost.
He adds recent talks involving OECTA were obstructed by the union’s demands for a wage increase.
Lecce also released the following statement regarding the job action being held today (Friday) by members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation in the Keewatin-Patricia School District:
“Our government is focused on reaching deals that protect our children’s future, invest in their potential, and ultimately keep them in the classroom where they belong.
This strike has gone on for too long-strikes by the teachers’ unions have resulted in millions of student days lost so far.
While teacher union leaders are organizing further disruption, our government remains ready to continue negotiating immediately, to get a deal that keeps our students in class. We’ve made significant moves on our position; however, the teachers’ unions have failed to make significant move on substantial items; like their already generous benefits packages and their insistence on maintaining hiring based on union seniority rather than merit.
I remain fully committed to reaching a good deal for students that sees more investment in there classroom led by the most qualified educator.”
