THE LAST LINE OF DEFENCE

On January 21 and February 4, OECTA members engaged in province-wide walkouts. This is the first time in our Association’s history that all members across the province have been engaged in full withdrawals of service during collective bargaining. The last time all members were out of the classroom was in 1997, during the political protest against the Mike Harris Conservative government’s drastic education reforms.

Contrary to the claims made by Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, the decision to take strike action has not been made lightly. OECTA has been trying for months to negotiate an agreement at the bargaining table, and we have made progress on some key issues with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association. But the government’s negotiators have insisted that any agreement must include significant, permanent cuts to publicly funded education. The government has also tried to undermine the process by introducing legislation and changing regulations on issues that should clearly be dealt with through collective bargaining.

“Our students need our support.” Kathy Renaud Northeastern Unit

These have been landmark days for the Association. The energy and solidarity has been incredible. OECTA President Liz Stuart, local unit presidents, and OECTA members have been featured in hundreds of media stories. On Twitter, #CatholicTeachers has been trending throughout Canada, as people have shared pictures and videos of their creative signs and cheers.

“We need to do this.” Liz Stuart OECTA President

“As a resident, voter, and taxpayer in Cambridge, ON, I fully support all labour actions taken by teachers across Ontario... Don’t give in. Don’t give up. It is not about compensation. It is about the future of education in Ontario.” Richard

Teachers know the government’s proposed cuts are unacceptable. We cannot accept an agreement that codifies provisions that will have a detrimental impact on student learning. We also know we are the last line of defence against these cuts, and we must stand up for the long-term interests of our current students and the generations of students to come. This is why, when the matter was put to a vote in November, Catholic teachers voted 97.1 per cent in favour of taking strike action if necessary. Along with our administrative job action, which began in early January, these walkouts have been a way to raise awareness of the issues among parents and the public, and to put pressure on the government to negotiate a fair agreement.

Strike action is tough for everyone. We feel for the parents and guardians of our students who have to make alternate child care arrangements for the day. And we know the sacrifices that teachers have to make – going without our regular pay, walking the picket line rather than doing the job we love, and having to make plans for our own children. But these short-term inconveniences are nothing compared to the long-term threat posed by this government’s plans for education. Although no agreement has been reached at the time of writing, the strike action has been effective in at least forcing the government back to the table. This has been a testament to the dedication, solidarity, and resolve of Catholic teachers. We should all be proud!

“I’m here because I care about kids.” Jennifer Divell Ottawa Unit

Parents and the public are behind us. Opinion polls have repeatedly shown that Ontarians are overwhelmingly opposed to the government’s plans for education, and they appreciate what teachers are trying to accomplish at the bargaining table. During our walkouts, they have shown their support with kind words, thumbs up, snacks and hot drinks, honks from the car, and even by joining the picket lines.

“Dear OECTA: We are parents of two children in Catholic school and wanted to let you know that you have our support. Keep up your spirits! We are all in this together!” Sincerely, Laura and James