Updated: Secondary school teachers union gives ‘powerful mandate’ for a strike if necessary

Before the vote, Education Minister Stephen Lecce called for mediation

Yorkregion.com
November 19, 2019
Dina Al-Shibeeb

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike, its president said Nov. 18. However, OSSTF President Harvey Bischof is still yearning for fruitful talks to avoid any strike action provincewide.

“This is a powerful mandate from our members, and it sends a compelling message,” said Bischof, who described Ontario has being more “aligned with our vision” and not that of the Tory government.

In defense of the union, which represents 55,000 high school teachers and support workers, Bischoff said, “We could have been on the picket line” but “we remain at the bargaining table,” signalling OSSTF's desire to reach a deal.

However, he warned, “Our members are committed to defending the quality of education in Ontario against a government that’s determined to undermine it, and they are absolutely prepared to defend their ability to provide the best possible learning environment for the students they work with.”

Before OSSTF's big announcement, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce called for mediation on Nov. 18 in the ongoing labour negotiations.

"My goal, since day one, has been to reach negotiated settlements with our education partners, with the intention of keeping Ontario's students in the classroom," Lecce, who is MPP for King-Vaughan, said.

"Today, I am offering all education sector unions the option to enter into mediation. I believe this is the right step, as mediation involves an independent third party to assist the unions, trustee associations, and the government in reaching settlements," he said.

Lecce has reiterated his concerns that a strike action "could mean school closures, disruption, and uncertainty for students and parents".

The local OSSTF York Region voted Nov. 11, with an overwhelming 96 per cent in favour of a strike.

The union representing public high school teachers is already in a legal strike position, but would be required to provide five days' notice before members could walk off the job.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association has also voted in favour of a strike. That strike vote saw a whopping 97.1 per cent in favour.

In addition, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has set Nov. 26 as the start for its work-to-rule if a contract with the province isn't reached.

ETFO, representing 83,000 teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals, said its action will target ministry and school board administrative tasks.