Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation of Hamilton-Wentworth
Below, please find our latest bulletin on bargaining. We endeavour to provide the most up-to-date information, but due to the confidential nature of bargaining we are limited as to what we can share openly.
Despite OSSTF/FEESO’s fair offer which meets the government’s fiscal demands and includes a two-year wage freeze, the Provincial Government refuses to consider alternatives and allow unimpeded collective bargaining to occur. Speak up against this and urge your MPP to act by completing form below. The application will automatically email our message to your local MPP.
We are running two electronic postcard campaigns, one for members who are support staff workers and another for those who are teachers. Please indicate the group to which you belong.
Toronto, ON - May 22 2012 – The over 60,000 members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) are standing up to the McGuinty Government’s threat to undermine their efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement with school boards across the province.
Ken Coran, President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) stated that “we are launching full page newspaper ads across Ontario this week highlighting the offer we made that addresses the government’s fiscal challenges while maintaining high quality public education. OSSTF/FEESO also offered other significant cost saving measures.” Coran emphasized that “Premier McGuinty asked for a wage freeze, we gave it to him, and more. However, the government currently refuses to consider any of our proposals. Instead of having meaningful discussions, the government, through its budget, has imposed changes to education funding that override provisions in collective agreements before the negotiation process has even begun with school boards.”
Coran continued, “for the past eight years, the Ontario Government and the Federation have worked together to create a collaborative relationship that has resulted in a stronger and more stable education system that puts students first. He added, “these gains have all been achieved as a result of the hard work of teachers and education workers, and because of the peace and stability that we have created together.”
“The McGuinty Government now risks labour unrest and the gains we have made together in public education which include a 14% increase in secondary school graduation rates and the highest rates of math, reading and science achievement in Canada. Ontario is one of only a few jurisdictions in the world where 92% of students are meeting or exceeding international education standards,” stated Coran.
“In response to the government’s refusal to consider alternatives and allow unimpeded collective bargaining to proceed, OSSTF/FEESO is urging its members and the public to demand that Premier McGuinty allow the parties to discuss alternative ways to reach a fair negotiated settlement so that our members can continue to do what they do best – educate and support the students of Ontario,” concluded Coran.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 17, 2012) - Bills 92 and 94, Private Member's Bills introduced on May 16 in the Ontario Legislature, freeze rates of pay, freeze earned increases and employee benefits and freeze all movement in salary grids for all public sector employees for at least two years, and then impose wage settlements on a yearly basis. Far reaching measures that attack free collective bargaining are also included in the Bills.
"Free collective bargaining is the cornerstone of good labour relations in Canada" said Ken Coran, President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO). "Over generations, workers have waged and won hard fought battles to negotiate freely. This type of legislation is an assault on workers' rights and attacks legal rights that are fundamental to Canadian society. These absolutely unacceptable proposed pieces of legislation also do nothing to improve Ontario's productivity or standing in a competitive global economy," emphasized Coran.
He further warned that "these Bills will do nothing to enhance the climate in our schools or improve the education and achievement of Ontario students. In fact, their passage or passage of similar bills would ensure disruption in schools and destroy the peace and stability that has marked the education sector for the last eight years and made Ontario's education system world renown."
"OSSTF/FEESO calls upon all MPPs to respect free collective bargaining and avoid the temptation of micromanaging all corners of Ontario from Queen's Park. Vote down the legislation," concluded Coran.
This update is to provide notice of an all-member, all-bargaining unit MASS MEETING on Monday, June 11, at 4:30 at the Hamilton Convention Centre.
Scott Marshall, our Provincial Executive Liaison, will be providing members with the most up-to-date information on bargaining. Members will receive important information that they will need as the school year winds down for summer holiday.
It is essential that all members attend to hear this important information and to send a message of solidarity. Please plan to attend.
1423 Upper Ottawa St., Unit #2
Space is limited. Please call Brandie at 905-574-8285 to reserve a spot.
A light dinner will be provided.
1423 Upper Ottawa Street
Units 2 & 3,
Hamilton, Ontario L8W 3J6
Phone: 905-574-8285
Fax: 905-574-8166
'Let us not take thought for our separate interests, but let us help one another.'
