TORONTO – The union representing Ontario’s elementary school teachers says its members will ramp up work-to-rule action as of June 1.
A statement released by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) says teachers will withdraw from Ministry meetings and workshops as well as mandated meetings with principals.
The teachers, who have been without a contract since the beginning of the school year, started a work-to-rule campaign on May 11.
Union members have already stopped administering standardized tests and adding comments to report cards.
“We are increasing this strike action because of the obstinacy of the government and OPSBA in addressing real issues that affect teachers and the learning conditions in our schools,” said ETFO President Sam Hammond.
“It’s time the government and OPSBA stopped playing games and adopted the same priorities.”
Hammond said students, as well as those with special needs, will not be affected by further labour actions.
“We are appalled that Premier Wynne and her government have abandoned their responsibility to encourage meaningful bargaining at the central bargaining table by blatantly siding with OPSBA on every one of its objectionable demands,” said Hammond.
The new work-to-rule measures come a day after the provincial government passed back-to-work legislation for high school teachers in three boards.
High schools in the Durham, Peel and Rainbow districts reopened Wednesday after the Ontario Labour Relations Board ruled the strikes
illegal.
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