TORONTO – Ontario’s four major teacher unions are filing formal appeals with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
The unions say the province’s return-to-school plan does not take every reasonable precaution to protect more than 190,000 French language, Catholic, elementary and secondary school teachers and education workers in the province.
Union representatives say they raised concerns with Ontario’s Minister of Labour and Chief Prevention Officer on Aug. 24, but the ministry “failed to comply” by Aug. 28.
“Smaller class sizes would help make schools safer,” said Sam Hammond, president of the Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario (ETFO).
“Should teachers and education workers not be able to expect at least the same standards and precautionary measures as have been put in place in stores, offices, and other spaces across the province?”
Union officials say the government’s plan falls short in regards to physical distancing, cohorting, ventilation and transportation.
Government officials counter the province has provided millions in extra funding for school boards to address precisely those issues.
Premier Doug Ford said in an Aug. 31 press conference the government has “done absolutely everything” it can to protect students and workers.
“My concern is how at the peak of [the pandemic], when it was running rampant, that PSWs walked into long-term care homes like firefighters walking into the burning buildings, and they don’t say a word,” said Ford.
“The teachers unions just want to fight, they want to fight with everyone.”
Ford did distinguish between unions and teachers, noting he’s had teachers apologize to him for their union’s actions.
He said he is confident teachers will “do a great job.”
