Secondary school teachers and support staff with the Halton District School Board have walked out for the day.
Last week, The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) announced that it will withdraw services on December 4th if a tentative agreement is not reached by then.
As a result, all secondary schools in the HDSB will be closed on Wednesday, December 4th.
Debbie Majka has been with the Union for over 17 years. She calls this situation is unique.
Tom Golightly, President of the Professional and Student Services Personal, says that he has noticed support from parents.
Rod Whate, a teacher with the Milton District High School, says the message is clear.
Finally, Scott Nicholson, Branch President at Craig Kielburger Secondary School, lays out the sticking points between the Union and the Province.
myFM reached out to Milton’s Member of the Provincial Parliament, Parm Gill. The MPP says in a statement, “the government continues to negotiate, in good faith, which is why we have reduced proposed changes to the secondary classroom size average from 28 to 25, and reduced the number of required online learning courses from four to two.” Gill adds, “we have doubled mental health funding, and increased investments into the skilled trades, math, STEM, and special education to the highest levels in provincial history. We believe in investing in the front lines and in our students, and we are focused on getting a deal that keeps students in the classroom.”
Elementary schools will be open with contingency plans in place.
Grade 7-12 schools will be open for students in Grade 7 and 8.
Students will be able to return to school the following day.
