Strike action closes plenty of local schools today

There are plenty of school closures today at the Near North Board and the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic Board.

A one-day strike is taking place with Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation and English Catholic Teachers Association members.

OSSTF members are striking at several school boards in Ontario, including the Near North Board.

Job action is being taken by all Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association members right across the province today.

Education workers will also be picketing at MPP Vic Fedeli’s office.

The unions say class size increases and the introduction of mandatory e-learning courses are among the sticking points, but Education Minister Stephen Lecce says compensation is the main barrier.

MPP Vic Fedeli has released a statement:

“Parents are rightfully frustrated that every few years teacher unions escalate against the government of the day. Premiers Rae, Harris, McGuinty, Wynne, and now Ford may not have much in common ideologically – except for the cyclical challenge of teacher union escalation. It is unacceptable that OSSTF would ramp up strike action at a time when high school students are preparing for exams. Our message to teachers’ union leaders is clear: enough is enough with the strikes that only hurt our kids. Let’s focus our energies on getting a deal that keeps students in class. To address these realities, our Government has launched its Support for Parents Initiative that puts money directly into the pockets of parents. More information on the initiative can be found by visiting Ontario.ca/SupportForParents. The immense uptake of our Support for Parents Initiative speaks volumes to the level of uncertainty union-led strike action causes.”

(With files from The Canadian Press)
(File photo by Chris Dawson/BayToday.ca)