Members of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario will begin a work-to-rule job action later this month.
Beginning November 26, elementary teachers will be stepping back from some of their administrative duties unless a new contract can be reached by then.
Local president Monica Armour says nothing will impact student learning.
“It is an administrative focus so that it is directed at the government and the school board and will not affect students, their learning or their safety,” says Armour.
Contract talks are continuing, but Armour says there’s a lot of frustration among teachers with the lack of progress so far.
“Yes, with the government and the school boards with not getting answers, them not really willing to get down to things and actually try to bargain something.”
Outstanding issues include more supports for students with special needs, the protection of the kindergarten program and critical issues like addressing violence in schools.
Ontario’s Education Minister Stephen Lecce is disappointed with the planned work-to-rule campaign.
He feels it will hurt students. Lecce says some of the responsibilities teachers won’t do specifically target initiatives designed to help students in math.
Lecce adds offers put forward by the government and the Council of Trustees’ Association which is representing school boards have been reasonable.
