Despite a November 30th deadline, The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario is trying to negotiate equal funding for their students.
Queen’s Park wants teachers to accept 3% a year for each year of a 4 year contract.
ETFO President David Clegg says the issue isn’t about wages, but reducing class sizes and bringing in specialized teachers.
Funding for Elementary students is about 700 dollars less per student than at the secondary level.
33 district school boards across the province are bargaining with the provincial government to close the funding gap between elementary and secondary schools.
73 thousand Elementary teachers have been without a contract since August 31st.
Elementary teachers have until November 30th to accept Premier Dalton McGuinty’s new offer- before it’s pulled off the table.
Clegg says creating artificial deadlines and forcing the issue will just lead to poor results for the students.
The EFTO want to close the funding gap in a four year agreement that would stagger funding resources over the term of the contract.
Clegg understands current economic times might delay closing the gap – but adds they are just looking for a reasonable commitment from the government.
Negotiations across Ontario began in October and will continue through November and December.
The Bluewater District School Board will have their first meeting with officials on December 8th, with a 2nd meeting on December 18th.
