Skip to content

Strike action of some kind expected soon for public elementary school teachers

THUNDER BAY – Some kind of strike action could be heading to public elementary schools next week, but so far the local president representing public elementary teachers isn't at liberty to say what job action or work-to-rule might look like
370829_50511559
Lakehead Elementary Teachers’ of Ontario president Mike Judge. (Jamie Smith, tbnewswatch.com)

THUNDER BAY – Some kind of strike action could be heading to public elementary schools next week, but so far the local president representing public elementary teachers isn't at liberty to say what job action or work-to-rule might look like.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has said it will be taking province-wide strike action May 11.

Lakehead Elementary Teachers' of Ontario president Mike Judge, which represents 400 teachers in Thunder Bay, said the union is still speaking with members internally.

"Sufficed to say, that this will all be revealed Friday," he said Tuesday morning.

"We're absolutely hopeful and committed to reaching a meaningful settlement and we are open to negotiations always."

Judge said negotiations between the union and the province and the Ontario Public School Boards' Association are still ongoing but have been counter-productive so far with reductions on the table and measures that would negatively impact the learning environment.

"When you affect learning conditions for students that's a problem," he said.

It's the reason members voted nearly 100 per cent locally in favour of a strike.

Regardless of what happens, Judge said those members are committed to providing quality education for students.

Meanwhile, local negotiations are ongoing with Lakehead Public Schools Judge said.

Superintendent of Business David Wright said those will continue. The board learned late Monday about ETFO's plans. Wright said he appreciates that the union gave the board notice and they want to let parents know that schools will be open next week. 

"It's our understanding that this job action isn't intended to affect students at this point. It's unfortunate that the state of central negotiations

is leaving ETFO in a positon where they feel they have to partake in job action but it's their legal right," he said.

 

 

 





push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks