OECTA membership ratifies tentative agreement

Catholic teachers solidify deal with provincial government and Catholic school board trustees

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2015 /CNW/ - The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) is pleased to announce the ratification of the tentative agreement by its membership on September 17, 2015.

This completes the central ratification procedure of the tentative agreement reached on August 25 between OECTA and the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA).

"We worked hard to address our members' concerns and believe this agreement protects them, as well as the quality of education in our schools," said OECTA President Ann Hawkins. "We're now looking forward to a productive and enriching school year for both teachers and students."

The ratification of the agreement means that teachers are prepared to commence negotiations between local OECTA bargaining units and Catholic District School Boards, subject to the government and Catholic Trustees also ratifying the tentative agreement.

"I want to thank the OECTA members who provided encouragement and support to our negotiating team during this long process," said Hawkins. "I also want to thank the parents and members of the public who added their voices to our #TeachersMatter campaign."

In August, OECTA launched a website called TeachersMatter.ca where Ontarians can find a clear overview of the negotiation process as well as bargaining issues.

About OECTA
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association represents more than 50,000 talented, passionate qualified teachers in Ontario's publicly funded English Catholic schools, in classrooms from JK to grade 12. OECTA cares deeply about the quality of education in our province, and we advocate for the professional and contractual welfare of our members to make sure they can focus on what they do best: teach. 

SOURCE Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association

Janine Druery, Communications Specialist, [email protected], 416-925-2493 x 472