ETFO Algoma locals to stage one-day strike on Wednesday December 19

TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Algoma public elementary teachers and occasional teachers will stage a one-day strike this Wednesday December 19 to continue sending the government a message that Bill 115 is severely impeding local collective bargaining.

"To date, the education minister has yet to do anything to assist local school boards in pursuing fair and respectful negotiations with our members," said Sam Hammond, president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO). "She can end the chaos she has created by repealing Bill 115 and letting local bargaining proceed without interference."

Ninety-eight percent of our local members are very disappointed and confused with the approach the Liberal government has taken. That's the reason we will be taking part in this action," said Kelly Holley, president of the Algoma Teacher Local. "We have no option. Our MPP is not listening and the Liberals continue to mislead the public."

"Under Ontario law, the least one would expect from a democratic government is fair and respectful collective bargaining. This minister and her government have brought shame to the province by trampling the rights of working Ontarians," added Peter Mead, president of the Algoma Occasional Teacher Local.

During a vote on September 15, 2012, the locals received overwhelming mandates for strike action from their members. The locals will move into a legal strike position on December 17, 2012. Prior to that, they received no board reports through the conciliator appointed by the Ministry of Labour to resolve their bargaining impasse with Algoma District School Board.

Fast Facts:
ETFO is the professional and protective organization representing over 76,000 teachers, occasional
teachers, and education professionals employed in the public elementary schools of Ontario.

ETFO Algoma Teacher Local represents 400 elementary teachers employed by Algoma District School
Board. The Algoma Occasional Teacher Local represents 155 Occasional Teachers.

Collective agreements for all ETFO locals expired on August 31, 2012.  Since then, ETFO members
have been working without collective agreements in place.   

SOURCE: Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario

Kelly Holley, Algoma Teacher Local, 705-254-9945, [email protected]
Peter Mead, Algoma Occasional Teacher Local, 705-257-0556, [email protected]