WATCH: Three Ontario high school teachers strikes ruled illegal
TORONTO – The majority of Ontarians support the provincial government’s back-to-work legislation despite a strong approval rating for striking teachers, according to a new poll.
The Mainstreet Technologies study indicates 56 per cent of those polled approve a provincially imposed back-to-work order while 51 per cent still side with teachers in the labour dispute.
However, those polled in the areas affected by the strike, specifically 905 and North, disagree with the legislation at 55 per cent. Support for teachers in those areas are also highest at 66 per cent.
Teachers returned to school on Wednesday after the Ontario Labour Relations Board ruled the job actions were illegal. The ruling came Tuesday evening, as the Ontario legislature began debate on the legislation.
One of the most contentious issues surrounding the strike is class sizes.
School boards want to lift class size caps to allow larger classes which they say is necessary for flexibility. Teachers, on the other hand, are opposed and say larger classes threaten the education of students.
The majority (53 per cent) of those surveyed opposed lifting caps on class sizes.
Overall, respondents gave a grade of “B” to the Ontario public education system.
The Mainstreet Technologies survey consisted of 2,553 respondent with a margin of error of +/- 1.94 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
Mainstreet Technologies – Ontario Issues May
Comments