ETFO Grand Erie locals begin work-to-rule December 14

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - ETFO Grand Erie public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, and designated early childhood educators (DECEs) have begun work-to-rule as of December 14, 2012. Their locals received no board reports 17 days ago through the conciliator appointed by the Ministry of Labour to resolve their bargaining impasse with the Grand Erie District School Board.

"Bill 115 has brought the bargaining process of these locals to a standstill. It is unfortunate that teachers, occasional teachers, and DECEs in Grand Erie will withdraw from all administrative activities while continuing to teach students and ensure student safety," said Sam Hammond, president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO).

Local bargaining stalled following the passage in September of Bill 115, which has imposed drastic cuts to ETFO members' collective agreements and attacked their democratic rights.

During votes taken on September 24, 2012, the Grand Erie Teacher, Occasional Teacher, and DECE Locals received an overwhelming mandate for strike action from their members. The Ontario Labour Relations Act requires that a strike mandate and a no board report must be received, and 16 days must pass following the receipt of the no board report, before legal strike action can occur.

SOURCE: Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario

Donna Howey, Grand Erie Teacher Local President, 519-770-6062, [email protected]
Kevin Utley, Occasional Teacher Local President, 519-536-9711, [email protected]
Patricia Hammond, Grand Erie DECE Local President, 519-720-8460, [email protected]