Ontario English Catholic teachers schedule strike vote amid stalled bargaining

Ontario's English Catholic teachers have scheduled a strike vote in November as contract negotiations have not advanced beyond the initial stages. The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association has informed its members that the vote aims to convey to the government the necessity of meaningful progress during negotiations. The union is set to hold information meetings on November 12 and 13 to ensure members have sufficient information to "deliver a strong strike mandate."

However, the president of the union, Rene Jansen in de Wal, clarifies that the vote does not necessarily imply a strike will occur. The ongoing talks with major education unions are largely stalled as the Ontario Labour Relations Board is deliberating on which matters should be collectively bargained between the unions and the province, and which should be negotiated locally between unions and school boards.

The unions claim that Education Minister Paul Calandra is attempting to push local issues into the central bargaining sphere, such as certain working conditions.