Members of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association have ratified a new three year contract.
The deal addresses concerns surrounding violence in the classroom and E-learning requirements as well as guarantees funding for programs and supports for vulnerable students.
Union President Liz Stuart admits it was a difficult round of negotiations, in which the government was seeking significant cuts to publically funded education.
However, Stuart stresses their bargaining team put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to reach an agreement that allows Catholic teachers to continue providing high quality education over the long team.
She says “Catholic teachers made it clear every step of the way that we would do what it took to stand up for students.”
The deal was reached on March 12th following more than 50 meetings, a withdrawal of services and rotating walkouts.
The Association will now start the process of negotiations between individual bargaining units and Catholic school boards for local terms of the agreement.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce is pleased with the ratification.
Lecce says the government will continue to advance efforts that improve and modernize the provincial education system and serve the needs of students and their families, while being fiscally responsible.
“Our aim is to ensure our system is responsive and adaptive to the challenges on the horizon, and we have full confidence that educators will rise to the challenges and work hard to ensure students learn and succeed.
He adds the deal will provide predictability and certainty to parents, students and educators.
Lecce stresses it’s now time to lock up deals with other teachers’ unions.
