Potential job action for four Ontario teachers’ unions could have far reaching consequences in London and beyond. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) as well as the unions representing elementary and catholic schools are all without an agreement with the province since the last one expired on Aug. 31. In the coming months, OSSTF union members are being asked to vote on whether they wish to strike if the union’s demands are not met by the province. Their concerns include a lack of cap on class sizes in grades 9 and 10, as well as the mandatory implementation of e-learning for high school students. “We’ve seen in the London area unprecedented job cuts when it comes to frontline educational assistance, child and youth workers, supports for students that need it most,” said OSSTF President Martha Hradowy. “I’ve been involved for almost 30 years in public education and I’ve never seen cuts to the extent that they have had happen this spring.” A budget announced at the Thames Valley District School Board in the spring included a reduction of more than 150 fewer full-time positions. At the time, the board said that the changes were driven by declining enrolment and shifting student needs. “In the London area in particular, the concerns are the same as across the province,” said Hradowy. “We are hearing from members, they are continually being asked to do more with less.” Hradowy says that the education sector has been underfunded for years, “this government has substantively underfunded public education alongside a lot of our other public services for the last since 2018… it’s time that we step up and we speak out because our students deserve better.” A spokesperson for Education Minister Paul Calandra said once the labour board process has concluded, the government will be ready and willing to negotiate new contracts at the bargaining table. “Premature strike threats do not serve the interests of students and do nothing but create unnecessary panic for parents,” Emma Testani wrote in a statement. “Our focus is where it should be — getting to the table and reaching a deal that keeps students in the classroom.” Although parents are likely to be concerned about potential job action, Hradowy says it’s too early to know what the outcome of talks will be, “I don’t want parents to worry about any potential job action. We are going to get to the table and engage with the government and the employers across the other side to try and reach a negotiated settlement. So that’s going to be where our focus remains and we’ll see what comes next.” With files from the Canadian Press
