Canadian Association of University Teachers supports Ontario's elementary and secondary school teachers

OTTAWA, Jan. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) strongly supports the actions of our colleagues in Ontario's elementary and secondary schools who are protesting the loss of their democratic rights to negotiate the terms and conditions of their work.

"We are deeply troubled that the Ontario government has chosen to impose a contract on its elementary and secondary educators rather than to allow negotiations to continue," said James L. Turk, executive director of CAUT. "Imposed contracts only postpone problems, not solve them."

Turk said that university and college teachers are also concerned about the Government's efforts to block planned protests tomorrow by Ontario's elementary teachers and education workers.

"The decision to protest if the government imposed a contract was supported by 92% of the members of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario members in a vote in December," Turk said. "We are proud of their desire to speak out as citizens and educators and are honoured to be supporting them."

The Canadian Association of University Teachers is the national voice of more than 68,000 academic and general staff at 124 universities and colleges across the country.

SOURCE: Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT)

Contact:
James L. Turk, executive director, (mobile) 613-277-0488
Angela Regnier, communications officer, (office) 613-726-5186, (mobile) 613-601-6304