ETFO escalates strike action to compel OPSBA, government to return to the central bargaining table

TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) and the government have failed to respond to efforts made by the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) to resume central table bargaining. 

As a result, ETFO will be escalating its current Phase 3 strike action.  Beginning Wednesday, October 28, ETFO teacher and occasional teacher members will withdraw from all voluntary extracurricular activities. 

"The Liberal government and OPSBA have ignored all attempts by ETFO to get them to return to the central bargaining table, including an offer to refer one issue to binding arbitration. If OPSBA and the government want a deal, why are they not responding to our efforts to resume bargaining?  Why are they not back at the bargaining table with us?" said ETFO President Sam Hammond.

"Our members do not undertake this escalation of strike action lightly, but they understand that reaching a fair and reasonable agreement will not happen unless OPSBA and the government are present at the bargaining table."

"We are calling on OPSBA and the government to return to the central bargaining table with ETFO to work to conclude this round of negotiations. ETFO members have been working without a contract since August 2014. That is not good for our teachers or for our students," added Hammond.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 78,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals across the province.

SOURCE Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario

Valerie Dugale, ETFO Media Relations: Cell: 416-948-0195, [email protected]