Schools in Renfrew County will be impacted by another one-day strike tomorrow (Tuesday, January 21st). All English catholic and public schools in Renfrew County will be closed as a result of the escalating job action. French schools will not be impacted.
Members of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) are asking for smaller class sizes so students get the help they need, more resources for special needs students, protection of the current Kindergarten program and fair compensation for educators.
President of the ETFO Renfrew County Teachers’ Local, Allison Ryan, says they are asking parents to stand with them in the fight to protect public education. She adds the programs they’re fighting for will have an impact on the education of students now and in the future.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says parents are frustrated by teacher union escalation every few years. He adds it’s unacceptable that job action is ramping up at a time when high school students are preparing for exams. Lecce says he will continue to focus on reaching voluntary agreements with the teachers’ unions. At this point government negotiators have not responded to union requests or set a date for future talks.
Members of the Renfrew County Teachers’ Local, Renfrew County Occasional Teachers’ Local, Renfrew County Education Support Personnel Local, Renfrew County Professional Support Personnel Local will participate in tomorrow’s strike. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) and Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) will also participate in the one day strike.
BACKGROUND DETAILS:
Learn more on the ETFO job action here.
Learn more about the OSSTF job action here.
Learn more about the OECTA job action here.
Learn more about how job action impacts the French Catholic schools here.
Learn more about how job action impacts the French Public schools here.
Read the Minister of Education statement here.