Your Federation: Winter 2023
Representative Council, Oct. 2023
President Brown opened her address calling for a peaceful solution in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, asking educators to be aware of the impacts of this war on their students and families.
With a 95 percent strike mandate, President Brown reflected on strike vote meetings across the province. “During strike vote meetings, the message from members across the province was clear: they have been working for over 13 months without a contract and their patience has run out. With a tentative central agreement for early childhood educators reached on September 22, our teacher and occasional teacher members want the government to stop stalling and start negotiating seriously on their key priorities, like providing more support for students with special needs, acknowledging the recruitment and retention crisis in education, putting a meaningful compensation offer on the table, and addressing violence in schools,” she said.
“Your bargaining team will be working hard to reach an agreement that meets the needs of our teacher and occasional teacher members – and we expect the government to do the same. With the strength and solidarity of our members behind us, let’s get this deal done,” she concluded.
Guest speaker Ontario Nurses Association President Erin Ariss brought greetings on behalf of ONA. She reflected on how ONA members have changed to become more active and more outspoken in response to cuts to public health care from the Ford government. “We have become loud, outspoken, fearless activists. In response to this government’s corruption, nurses are mobilizing in record numbers. We are fighting for respect and recognition. We must use our collective power as unions. People need us and we have to be there,” she concluded.
ETFO Awards Program: Apply Today!
The ETFO Awards Program recognizes distinguished academic achievements and outstanding contributions to education and the Federation by members and others. ETFO distributes more than $120,000 annually through the program. Members can nominate themselves, their colleagues and/or community members, as applicable. Learn more at etfo.ca/awards and apply before February 1.
Member Town Hall on Violence in the Classroom
On Wednesday, October 25, ETFO held a telephone town hall meeting on violence in schools. Members received advice about how to engage in violence-related work refusals in compliance with health and safety legislation, and ETFO's new Checklist for Violence resources was shared and reviewed. Results of ETFO’s 2023 All-Member Violence Survey were also discussed. Listen to the recording of the town hall at members.etfo.ca.
Treaties Recognition Week
The first week of November was Treaties Recognition Week, but learning about treaties with your students can happen any time of the year. Treaties are legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. Ontario would not exist without treaties, and it is important for students and educators alike to understand these agreements better. Check out the excellent tools and resources available at etfofnmi.ca
Resources for Members
ETFO has some great resources to support our members, everything from welcoming and supporting 2SLGBTQ+ families, to lesson plans on white privilege, climate justice and support for the math curriculum. See them all when you login at etfo.ca.
