Government Proposals Target Women

TORONTO, April 12, 2012 /CNW/ - "I don't believe in bargaining in the media, but a lot of misinformation has been spread about our decision to leave the provincial discussion process and I want to set the record straight," said Sam Hammond, President of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario in a response to recent comments made by Minister Broten.

"We are fully prepared to bargain under the Ontario Labour Relations Act starting in June. We must have real ground rules that govern collective bargaining in place before we begin. The OLRA provides that framework."

"The government said it would respect collective bargaining rights. Bullying behavior and threats to legislate are no way to demonstrate respect for teachers or the collective bargaining process."

"It is imperative to engage in discussions with representatives who are experienced in the education sector, not expensive bankruptcy lawyers," said Hammond. "Real negotiations are about sitting down at a table to jointly solve problems to meet the needs of students and teachers and maintain peace and stability."

"The rigid parameters tabled by the government are an attack on the women who comprise over 80 percent of our membership. As president, I cannot enter into a process that will negatively impact my membership for a generation or longer. That is why we exercised our option not to participate in this voluntary provincial process."

"There is no incentive to return to Minister Broten's table.  It is not set for fair and reasonable discussions."

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.

 

Izida Zorde, ETFO Communications
[phone] Ext. 2336 (office)
[phone] (cell)    

Sam Hammond, President
[phone] Ext. 2348 (office)
[phone] (cell)