ETFO members vote to accept Memorandum of Understanding with government

TORONTO, June 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) have voted to accept the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached between the Federation and the Ontario government.

Ninety-one percent (91%) of ETFO members participating in a province-wide online vote endorsed the MOU following a series of town hall meetings held last week to review the proposed agreement. The deadline for ratifying the agreement was today.

"It is evident from the result that our members agreed with the Federation that this is the best possible contract achievable within the political and economic context of discussions," said ETFO President Sam Hammond. "It is significant that the agreement puts in place task forces focused on workload and health and safety issues, which will create a safer and more successful learning environment for students and teachers."

ETFO locals will now work with their respective school boards to append the MOU to their collective agreements. The MOU will override and improve upon the imposed terms of Bill 115.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 76,000 elementary public school teachers and education professionals across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.

SOURCE: Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario

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