Local elementary teachers will go on strike this week but only for 24 hours.
Officials with the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario announced Sunday that they will hold the one-day strike on Wednesday in order to send a message to the government regarding the controversial Bill 115. Unions have criticized the bill for taking away their collective bargaining rights.
“It is unfortunate that we have not reached an agreement with our board but we are certainly intent on that goal,” said Ellen Chambers, President of Lakehead Teacher Local, in a media release.
“Because of the imposition of Bill 115’s very limiting parameters, we’ve been left with no option but to send the minister a message through strike action.”
The local board will be in a strike position on Dec. 10
“It is unfortunate that we have had to move to the extreme measure of closing all elementary schools on Wednesday, December 12,” said Cathi Siemieniuk, Lakehead Public Schools director of education in a release issued on Sunday. “The safety and security of our students were the deciding factors in this particular situation.”
The board said all elementary schools, including Grade 7 and 8 classes at Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate and Vocational Institute will be closed for the day. Secondary schools will be open.
