Ontario education unions promise ‘proportional response,’ schedule 3rd strike vote

Three Ontario education unions have announced plans to hold a strike vote for their members, as negotiations over new contracts with the Ford government face obstacles. The Ontario School Board Council of Unions, a member of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, announced it would hold the strike vote in November. Joining this initiative are the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), all of which are grappling with stalled contract talks.

David Mastion, president of ETFO, expressed the unions' readiness for escalating action if necessary, stating, "I think they can expect a proportional response to the challenging times that we’re in right now." He emphasized that their actions would be limited to those deemed essential to compel the government to alter its course since 2018, which has been marked by measures aimed at dismantling and cutting public education.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Education Minister Paul Calandra attributed delays in contract negotiations to ongoing disputes at the Labour Relations Board (OLRB), where most unions have sought to determine the scope of negotiations at central or local levels. The spokesperson stressed that while the union right to do so is respected, the process has hindered the commencement of bargaining.

Calandra's office warned that premature strike threats do not benefit students and vowed to remain focused on achieving a deal that keeps students in classrooms. Despite urging teachers and education workers to avoid strikes, Mastion underscored the seriousness of the union's position, emphasizing that a significant strike mandate would send a powerful message to the government about the unions' determination.