THUNDER BAY -- More job sanctions at local high schools could spell the end for some sports seasons.
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation announced new job sanctions Tuesday that would see teachers arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the school day and leave school as soon as classes finish.
They are also withdrawing all voluntary services, including coaching duties.
“It’s a very tough decision for our teacher coaches,” said David Pineau, activities director for Lakehead Public Schools and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board.
“I know they’re torn. I know they certainly put in the time with kids so this is a tough choice for them and a decision I’m sure no one relishes making.”
Pineau said all high school athletic and co-curricular directors are meeting Friday to discuss how the sanctions will affect the athletic seasons and see which teams are left standing.
“We’re not anticipating a very good story and we’ll have to make decisions on Friday whether we suspend the seasons as we know them and look at alternatives going forward,” said Pineau.
Sport seasons underway right now include boys basketball, girls volleyball and wrestling.
Pineau said those three will definitely be affected and depending on how long the sanctions last it could affect sports set to start in the New Year like cheerleading, badminton and other spring athletics.
OSSTF teachers bargaining unit president Paul Caccamo said they tried to avoid furthering job sanctions, but at this point they can’t see any signs on the part of Minister of Education Laurel Broten that there is going to be any change in her position.
“We had no other option but to go to this stage,” Caccamo told CKPR Radio.
The union members still remain hopeful, he added.
“We are applying pressure at every possible point we can and we are definitely hopeful that the Minister will see this Bill 115 she has drafted and passed into law is both necessary and unwarranted,” said Caccamo.
“If she can repeal that bill and give real negotiations a chance, we are absolutely confident this issue can be resolved locally and resolved quickly.”
OSSTF is confident this message will reach the minister, added Caccamo.
