Less than a week after talks re-started, they have broken down between the Ontario Catholic Teachers’ Association and the provincial government.
“Recognizing that strike action is difficult for everyone involved, our decision to suspend this week’s rotating strikes was another show of good faith, which further demonstrated our commitment to resolving these difficult negotiations,” OECTA President Liz Stuart says. “Catholic teachers have met more than 40 times with the government and the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association, made significant progress with the trustees on major issues, and offered flexible solutions to the government to help protect publicly funded education in Ontario.”
The talks were initiated last Friday by the mediator with the promise of “meaningful discussion.” Stuart says this did not happen. “After the Minister of Education (Stephen Lecce) spent the weekend making baseless, inflammatory accusations about Catholic teachers and our Association, his bargaining team held firm to their agenda to take resources out of the classroom,” she says. “At times, it seems they have no real intention of negotiating an agreement.”
She says OECTA will await word from the mediator on what the next steps are. “While our administrative job action continues, OECTA will also be considering options for further strike action,” Stuart says.
A potential strike could affect the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, which would also affect Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Bancroft.