The Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO) said it will begin holding provincewide walkouts once a week starting Thursday after contract talks with the government stalled.

Teachers across Durham Region took to the picket lines Tuesday. Several teachers claim increased class sizes will strain the system, putting quality of education at risk.

After resuming contract talks on Wednesday, ETFO and the Ontario government say negotiations broke down Friday evening. The union said it will ramp up strikes next week.

Friday is the deadline the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has given to reach a deal with the government or the union will ramp up strikes next week.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has been staging one-day, rotating strikes since last week, and the union is targeting boards in Durham, Lambton Kent and Algoma on Thursday.

The camps will be offered at the East Bayfield Community Centre and Holly Community Centre.

”Currently, public elementary teachers across Ontario are taking part in strike action. This action includes not completing a full report card."

On Wednesday, the province announced it will pay parents whose children are affected by striking teachers.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario said Thursday that "if the government refuses to address critical issues" by Jan. 17, its members will start a full withdrawal of services on a rotating basis the following Monday. No bargaining dates are scheduled so far between now and the planned strikes.