This time next week, a lot of parents could be scrambling for child care as a strike by public elementary school teachers looms.
Public high school teachers in Peel Region are out of the classroom and on the picket line. Negotiations went beyond the midnight strike deadline, but the union and school board couldn't reach a deal.
“The board’s position had not changed one bit, even though we started to give in on a couple of things to say what can we do to find our path to a deal,” says Mike Bettiol, District 19 OSTTF president.
There are two separate negotiations happening: One with the Ontario government, where issues include salary, benefits and sick leave – another locally where the school boards and unions negotiate non-monetary issues such as teacher’s performance appraisals.
The Peel District School Board calls the strike action irresponsible because it has nothing to do with local issues.
“We were targeted as a board for a strike months ago and unfortunately our kids are being used to pressure the central table,” Janet McDougald, chair of the Peel District School Board.
However, the president of the high school teachers union disagrees.
“I wouldn't put this many people on the picket line, these things are not taken lightly,” says Paul Elliott, president of OSSTF. “There is a lot of discussions that go on to reach this point. “
These teachers are the latest to hit the picket lines, joining public high school teachers in Durham Region and Sudbury. On Monday, the union said talks have also ended with the province and there are no future bargaining dates scheduled.
There could be more labour unrest, as talks have also stalled between the government and public elementary teachers, meaning next Monday those teachers will be in a legal strike position.
The Simcoe County District School Board says its negotiations are continuing with the teachers, but parents should be ready for any strike action.
“They may want to consider day alternate daycare arrangements, that said we don't know whether the teachers will be going out on a full strike,” says school board spokesperson Janis Medyski.
The teachers' unions must notify school boards at least five days before taking any strike action. Local school boards say if that happens, they will notify parents right away. In the meantime, the education minister says she's optimistic deals will be reached.
