Premier's ultimatum to teachers 'unfortunate,' says local union leader
The local union representative for public elementary school teachers in Thunder Bay, Ont. says an ultimatum delivered to the union by the premier late last week is "unfortunate."
Premier Kathleen Wynne has given the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO), and two other unions, until November 1 to reach a deal.
If they don't settle, and halt work-to-rule action, teacher's pay could be docked.
Judge said teachers want to negotiate, but it's the province and the Ontario Public School Board's Association that have been unwilling to come to the table.
He said he is hopeful that the premier's deadline will result in a deal.
"The hope I have is that the period of focused bargaining ... results in a tentative deal, and that's what we're all gunning for."
Extracurriculars cancelled, progress reports delayed
On Wednesday, public elementary school teachers plan to step away from extracurricular activities, as part of its ramped up work-to-rule action.
School boards say fall progress reports for elementary students are also being delayed, and may be cancelled.
"We sent a letter home explaining the situation to parents, understanding, of course, their frustration, but also asking for their patience as we wait for hopefully the sanctions to be lifted."
As part of work-to-rule actions, teachers are turning in report cards without comments, and also in a form that requires the principals to input data, said Tamblyn. He added that principals are already overwhelmed.
Tamblyn said he hopes the deadline issued by the province will result in a settlement, and that there will still be time to issue the fall progress reports.