Ontario education minister insists the government is working hard to get deals done with teachers.
Stephen Lecce has put forward the idea of mediated talks to resolve what he calls “the critical few issues” that remain on the table.
“We adopted that approach with CUPE, where we worked in good faith. Notwithstanding the deadline bargaining and notwithstanding the natural ebb and flow and the frustrations of those observing, we got a deal, and we seek to do that with our teachers,” says Lecce.
The opposition disagrees with the province’s approach.
NDP leader Andrea Horwath says the offer of mediation to settle teacher talks through the media belies the notion that the government’s negotiating respectfully.
“If the minister were actually listening to the advice of parents, as he claims, he wouldn’t be negotiating through the media by suggesting to the public that mediation should happen as opposed to talking to the unions directly,” says Horwath.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says he wants a voluntary settlement and believes mediation can help reach that.
The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario says that’s already happening in its talks with its request for a conciliation officer appointed by the Ministry of Labour.
