TORONTO – Ontario elementary teachers are set to hold pickets outside MPP offices on Wynne Wednesday to protest their frustration over stalled contract negotiations.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario called the province’s education minister “ill-informed” regarding the union’s attempt to get both the boards and government back to the bargaining table.
“If she had been briefed, she would have known that ETFO has reached out on numerous occasions and has been actively trying to get all parties to return to the table but has received no response,” said ETFO President Sam Hammond in a media release on Tuesday.
“We have heard nothing from either OPSBA or the government.”
READ MORE: Wynne says school boards put out statement on talks with ETFO out of frustration
The teachers union was fuming after the Public School Boards Association put out a statement last week saying there has been progress but talks have stalled on two issues: sick leave and benefits.
Hammond said the union was waiting for the call to reconsider the latest offer and return to the bargaining table.
“ETFO has asked to continue bargaining to deal with a number of items where progress has seemed likely. We continue to await a response,” added Hammond.
READ MORE: Teachers union disputes government claim of stalled negotiations
Some of the picket locations, part of the union’s work-to-rule action, includes the offices of Charles Sousa in Mississauga and Harinder Malhi in Brampton, as well as the Peel District School Board office.
The ETFO represents 78,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals across the province.
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