Ontario English Catholic Teachers Rotating Strikes Suspended

Credit: Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association

** Update Feb 21, 2020: Rotating Strikes Suspended as Negotiations Continue – Ontario English Catholic School Board has suspended rotating strikes as Ministry of Labour-appointed mediator has called the parties back to the table on Monday, February 24.

Today’s historic strike was an incredible display of the passion and dedication of teachers and education workers across Ontario. At the same time, we have always said that our goal is to negotiate a deal at the bargaining table, and it is clear that our efforts are being effective in forcing the government to work with our Association toward a fair agreement. The mediator has called the parties back to the table on Monday, February 24, and we have been assured that the discussions will continue to be meaningful. As a result, OECTA will be suspending the rotating strikes planned for next week. Catholic teachers have demonstrated that we will do what is necessary to stand up against this government’s cuts to publicly funded education. Should negotiations cease being productive, further strike action will be announced. Liz Stuart, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association

February 18 Article:

Do your kids attend Huron-Superior, Niagara, Northwest, St. Clair, Toronto or Waterloo Catholic District School Boards? Then, they could get a 4 day long weekend starting February 21, if an agreement is not reached on February 19.

At the request of the Ministry of Labour-appointed mediator, the OECTA Provincial Bargaining Team will meet with representatives of the government and the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association on Wednesday, February 19 to continue negotiations.

If an agreement is not reached, OECTA members will participate in rotating full withdrawals of service the week of February 24. This is in addition to the province-wide walkout on February 21.

Previously, OECTA members engaged in full withdrawals of service on January 21 and February 4, and have been taking administrative job action since January 13.

OECTA President Liz Stuart said, “Teachers and education workers across the province are united, and the public are firmly behind us.

“Everyone is saying we do not support the Ford government’s destructive agenda for publicly funded education, and everyone knows the solution is for the government to back away fromtheir reckless cuts and come up with a real plan to reach a fair agreement. But the government still is not listening. All we can do is continue to demonstrate our determination and solidarity.”

OECTA Strike Rotation Schedule

Monday, February 24

Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board
Niagara Catholic District School Board
Northwest Catholic District School Board
St. Clair Catholic District School Board
Toronto Catholic District School Board
Waterloo Catholic District School Board

Tuesday, February 25

Durham Catholic District School Board
Halton Catholic District School Board
Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board
Kenora Catholic District School Board
Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
Ottawa Catholic District School Board
Peterborough VNC Catholic District School Board
Sudbury Catholic District School Board
Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board

Thursday, February 27

Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Northeastern Catholic District School Board
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
Superior North Catholic District School Board

Friday, February 28

Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
London District Catholic School Board
York Catholic District School Board
Wellington Catholic District School Board
Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board

Ontario English Catholic Teachers Rotating Strikes Suspended