The union representing English Catholic school teachers in Ontario has been given an overwhelming strike mandate by its members.
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) announced Thursday that 97 per cent of its members that cast ballots agreed to go on strike if the union can't reach a new contract. Strike votes were held on October 18 and 19.
“Our overwhelming strike mandate sends a clear message to the Ford Conservative government and the representatives of Catholic school boards that Catholic teachers want to see meaningful progress and results at the bargaining table that address the lack of resources, supports, and time teachers need to best serve their students," said OECTA President René Jansen in de Wal.
The union says its 45,000 members are ready to hit the picket lines if that is what is necessary to get an agreement that supports students, families, and teachers.
"Contrary to Minister of Education Stephen Lecce’s ongoing misinformation campaign, taking a strike vote and receiving a strong strike mandate does not necessarily mean that Catholic teachers will take job action," Jansen in de Wal said. "In fact, such a strong strike mandate may make job action less likely – but only if the Minister and Catholic school board representatives heed the message being sent. And it will enable the Association to proceed forward in negotiations with the full confidence of Catholic teachers. This is something the Minister would know if he was focused on reaching a fair deal, and not devoting his time and energy to yet another failed attempt to deceive and divide parents, students, teachers, and communities."
On Wednesday, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced that 95 per cent of its members voted in favour of strike action if it is not able to reach a fair deal, while the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation has ratified a deal with the province that will see bargaining wrap up on October 27, with all outstanding issues then sent to arbitration.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce claims ETFO and OECTA have been given fair offers.
"Fair deal, fair proposal," Lecce said. "Our mission is very simple. Stability for children."
