Public school elementary teachers to ramp up work-to-rule job action

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced Friday it will be ramping up its work-to-rule campaign as part of teachers unions current ongoing labour dispute with the Ontario government.

The union’s actions may eventually lead to a series of rotating strikes.

Beginning Monday, Jan, 13, ETFO-represented members will not plan or participate in any assemblies, except to provide supervision to students, not take part in extracurricular activities (except for those that are scheduled within the regular school day), not participate in field trips, not arrive at work any earlier than 30 minutes before the start of school days for students (the same applying to hourly paid ETFO members), and not remain at schools later than 15 minutes after the end of the instructional day for students. 

Links to a complete list of ETFO’s work-to-rule actions are available on the ADSB’s website

Meanwhile, the Algoma District School Board states all of its elementary schools, school-based child care and before and after school programs will remain open and operating as of Jan. 13.

“Teaching and learning continue to be the focus at school. Instruction and the safety and well-being of students remains our priority,” the ADSB stated in an advisory issued Friday.

ETFO has also stated if no agreement is reached with the provincial government regarding labour issues, that effective Monday, Jan. 20, the union will begin strikes on a rotating basis. 

The ADSB states, “If schools are impacted by a full withdrawal of services due to rotating strikes, further communication will be provided to parents.”

“We value our teachers, their professionalism and the services they provide to our students. We trust that the provincial government and the union will remain committed to the negotiation process and to reaching a fair settlement,” the ADSB wrote.

“As a school board, we remain committed to maintaining student achievement and well-being. We will continue to keep our families informed as much as possible and will share any new developments or changes directly with families and/or on the ADSB website.”

In a statement issued Thursday, ETFO president Sam Hammond said its main issues include calling for more supports for students with special needs, addressing violence in schools and preserving full-day kindergarten.

ETFO teachers are also seeking higher wage increases than the government's offer of a one per cent pay increase, the union wanting a two per cent increase.