The union representing Ontario's public elementary teachers says it will escalate its work-to-rule campaign, just not yet.
At a news conference Monday afternoon, Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario president Sam Hammond told reporters that the job action will escalate if the province and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association don't come back to the bargaining table with a contract offer that recognizes the needs of elementary teachers and students.
Hammond says the province is taking a "cookie-cutter" approach to contracts with Ontario teachers and, and in doing so, hoping to affect the federal election.
“Premier Wynne wants to impose another union’s deal on ETFO. She wants to impose a quick deal, not a reasonable deal for elementary teachers to help Mr. Trudeau’s chances in the federal election,” says Hammond.
Talks between the province and ETFO broke off Friday night, leading to speculation that the union's work-to-rule campaign would move into the next phase. But Hammond says a ramp-up will depend on how the Wynne government responds to ETFO's demands for a fair contract.
“We are prepared to escalate our strike action if there is no change on the part of the government and OPSBA," says Hammond. "Members have been very public in their support for the action in their schools and social media, which is a clear demonstration of their resolve to achieve an agreement that meets their needs and the needs of their students.”
Currently, public elementary teachers are refusing to take part in EQAO testing and new curriculum training. The work-to-rule campaign also saw report cards sent home without any teachers' comments.
Ontario's elementary teachers have been without a contract for over a year.
Hammond says he's waiting for the government to contact the union about a resumption of negotiations.
