KAWARTHA LAKES-Negotiations between the Province and the teachers union have gotten tense, leading to a planned one day, province wide strike next Wednesday.
Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued the following statement regarding the decision of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) to escalate to a strike, two days after initiating a work-to-rule campaign.
“Strikes hurt kids. Our Government has been clear, we want deals that keep students in class. For teacher unions to leave the table, to turn their back on our children, and to escalate to the point of compromising their education, is deeply troubling for parents and our Government.”
OSSTF president Harvey Bischof announced Thursday that the strike will go ahead if a new agreement is not reached before then. Bischoff says the parties are far apart.
Lecce claims the government offered to reduce class room sizes from 28 to 25 and reducing online learning courses from four to two but the unions decided to escalate job action.
“This is wrong, and our students deserve better.” he said.
Bischof claims the government is still trying to impose larger class sizes, mandatory e-learning and other measures that would reduce the quality of education in the province.
“The erosion of education is happening now. We can’t wait any longer for this to continue. We have been driven to this action.”
Lecce is calling on OSSTF to remain at the bargaining table, with third-party, independent mediation, up until the deadline.
“Our aim, as was the case with CUPE, is to get a deal that provides continuity for parents, and educational stability for students.”
It’s unclear if classes will continue Wednesday or be cancelled.
 Classroom
photo credit: US Department of Education LEEHS 19 via photopin (license)
