TORONTO — As Ontario’s elementary school teachers wrap up their first week of the school year, Phase Two of work-to-rule in place, it appears things won’t be returning to normal any time soon.
A statement issued by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario early Friday evening says talks between the union and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association have broken down.
The union claims the OPSBA walked away from the table after seven days of bargaining.
READ MORE: Labour strife remains as Ontario students head back to school this week
“Although progress during our discussions was proceeding at a very slow pace, ETFO was prepared to put in the time necessary to reach a fair central agreement,” union president Sam Hammond said in a statement. “It appears the other parties were not prepared to do the same.”
Hammond says the government refused to provide any potential future dates for discussions to continue.
“ETFO will be consulting with our local presidents on Monday to discuss next steps,” the statement read. “Given that the government and OPSBA have walked away from central bargaining.”
READ MORE: Elementary teachers’ union announces phase 2 of work-to-rule campaign
Meanwhile, there is some concern within the union’s own ranks.
Some teachers appear to be worried about at least one aspect of the latest job action and its potential effect on charities that rely on funds raised by students.
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Among the new restrictions implemented in Phase Two, the union advises teachers not to distribute school or board paperwork to students, stage field trips or attend “meet the teacher” nights.
Teachers are also advised to abstain from fundraising activities.
READ MORE: Wage freeze talks still sidelined at bargaining table with Ontario teachers
Global News was contacted by members of ETFO, who asked to remain anonymous, citing that policy as a concern.
In a bargaining update issued to members earlier this week, the theoretical question is asked:
“How do I respond if my principal asks me to supervise students during the Terry Fox Run?”
The response: “While fundraising related to a school event is considered struck work, members may be required to supervise students while they complete the Terry Fox Run during the instructional day at their school.”
READ MORE: Elementary teachers seek $3.2B in demands, including wage increases: boards
The part that bothers teachers is the last sentence: “Any permission forms or monies related to the Terry Fox Run need to be distributed and collected by your principal.”
It makes the task much more difficult and time-consuming than it would be for teachers to individually collect money from their classes.
In a statement, the Terry Fox Foundation acknowledges the support of educators over the years, adding that it is “very hopeful that the spirit of compassion and generosity will prevail again this year and more than 1.5 million students and educators will participate in the 35th Anniversary of Terry’s Marathon of Hope and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.”
READ MORE: Ontario elementary teachers to step up work-to-rule action on June 1
“I think most teachers naturally want to do these things. That’s one of the reasons why they went into teaching. They care about the students, they care about the people, so it’s very difficult,” says Doretta Wilson of the Society for Quality Education.
She says many teachers feel caught in the middle of doing what they feel is right and standing in solidarity with their union.
“It’s very hard to know where the line is about what you’re supposed to do and what you’re not supposed to do.”
READ MORE: Elementary teachers’ union walks away from bargaining table
A spokesperson for ETFO says there’s nothing keeping teachers from participating in or donating to a community event on their own time.
“Under our work to rule strike action, teachers can supervise students while they complete the Terry Fox run during the instructional day at their school. If the run is a community event, teachers can participate but they may not hand out forms or collect monies for their students attending this event as fundraising is struck work.”
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