AEFO Suspends Talks at the Bargaining Table

OTTAWA, Sept. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - After more than a year of negotiations and several rounds of intensive discussions, the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO) announces that it is stepping away from the bargaining table after receiving an unacceptable offer from employers. On September 10, AEFO had declared itself in a gridlock with the government and school boards, but had nonetheless agreed to keep negotiating, hoping to come to an agreement for some 10,000 French-language elementary and secondary teachers in Ontario.

"Bargaining is a long process that must end with a win-win situation for everyone. AEFO feels that the last offer tabled does not allow for such an agreement to be negotiated," said AEFO President, Carol Jolin. "What's more, AEFO considers that the offer is simply not just and fair when compared to offers made to two English-language unions, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA)", adds M. Jolin.

With negotiations suspended, AEFO will evaluate its possible course of actions before returning to the bargaining table. If possible, AEFO fervently hopes to come to an agreement before commencing work-to-rule on Friday, September 18.

Thanks to strong support from its members, 93 % of whom voted in favour of strike action, AEFO gave notice of work-to-rule last week. Details regarding job action were communicated to its members.

AEFO has about 10,000 members and represents French-language elementary and secondary teachers in Ontario, from both catholic and public school boards, and workers from other French-language establishments in Ontario.

SOURCE Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO)

Marilyne Guèvremont, Director - Communications Services, 613 244-2336, poste 309, 613 850-6410 (cell), [email protected]