Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) members from Rainy River District were expected to hold confidential members’ meetings and central strike votes today (Oct. 23).
Meetings were held in Fort Frances and Atikokan.
“ETFO’s goal is to reach an agreement at the central bargaining table without having to take job action,” said ETFO provincial president Sam Hammond.
“We are committed to continuing negotiations until a fair and reasonable collective agreement can be reached that protects and improves the learning and working conditions in public elementary schools in Ontario.”
At this members-only meeting, elementary teachers, occasional teachers and education support personnel discussed central bargaining issues.
The ETFO provincial executive has asked members to demonstrate their support for ETFO bargaining priorities that include more support for students with special needs, the protection of kindergarten, class size and class structure, and fair and transparent hiring practices.
Holding a central strike vote is one part of the legal bargaining process established under Ontario labour laws.
There are two central negotiating tables: one for teachers and occasional teachers and the other for educational workers who include designated early childhood educators, professional support personnel and education support personnel.
This meeting is for members only.