Friday strike day cancelled: York Region Catholic schools will be open

'We have always said that our goal is to negotiate a deal at the bargain table'

Yorkregion.com
February 24, 2020
Dina Al-Shibeeb

On the day that saw the province’s four largest teachers’ unions on a full walkout all at once, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association announced Friday afternoon that there won’t be “rotating strikes” for Catholic schools next week.

OECTA, which was on a strike Friday alongside other teachers’ unions announced on Feb. 18 that if an "agreement is not reached, members will participate in rotating full withdrawals of service the week of Feb. 24."

For York Catholic District School Board, this translated to an impending strike on Feb. 28.

This is no longer the case.

“Today’s historic strike was an incredible display of the passion and dedication of teachers and education workers across Ontario,” said OECTA president Liz Stuart.

“At the same time, we have always said that our goal is to negotiate a deal at the bargain table and it is clear that our efforts are being effective in forcing the government  to work with our association toward a fair agreement,” she added.

Stuart explained that the mediator has called the parties back to the table Feb. 24.

As a result, OECTA will be suspending the rotating strikes planned for next week.