This week the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced the launch of Phase 3 of a work-to-rule job action by its teachers. Incremental strike action will include measures such as: not filling-in for an absent teacher, not taking on additional students if a class is collapsed, and not taking on other duties during regularly scheduled preparation time. ETFO has also outlined the union’s plans for its Phase 4 in October, which could include rotating strikes. Parents have been contacting the Board, concerned about the work-to-rule actions, and their affects on student safety and learning, should classrooms be without a teacher.
“During this ongoing labour situation, we may see increased absenteeism among teachers in our elementary schools,” says Board Chair, Doug Shearer. “We want parents to know that in the event that these labour sanctions impede student safety and we cannot adequately supervise our students with supply teachers, we may have to close a school for a day. We certainly don’t want this to happen, and want parents to know that we will do everything possible to keep our schools open, and our students in class.”
“The decision to close a school for a day might come at short notice,” adds Director of Education, Linda Knight. “Our Board is well aware that most parents work, and that this notice would be highly disruptive. We’re asking parents to be prepared with alternative arrangements should this have to happen. Parents are advised to ensure phone numbers and emergency contact information at their child’s school are up-to-date.”
District School Board Ontario North East continues to monitor the labour situation and will provide information to parents about any action that changes the regular operation of our schools, through our website www.dsb1.ca, Facebook page www.facebook.com/dsb1.ca, and through the schools themselves.
“We respect and value our teachers and the work that they do with our students,” adds Shearer. “We remain hopeful that a negotiated provincial agreement will be reached.”