ETFO has done a great deal in the past couple of years to fight for our collective bargaining rights and the democratic rights of all Ontarians. I have been inspired and awed as I’ve watched ETFO members respond to unfair and undemocratic government initiatives with strength, commitment, and dedication.
I’d like to begin the last column of this school year by saying a big thank you to our members. This has been a very challenging year of contract discussions with the government. It has also been incredibly powerful and inspiring.
Teachers rally at the Liberal Leadership Convention
The last year has been a tumultuous one for education Politics in Ontario and one that has seen democratic rights and principles die on the altar of political expediency.
The past year of negotiations has been difficult for ETFO and other public sector unions. With the release of the Drummond report in February, the government began a systematic assault on public sector workers.
Thousands of ETFO and other union members, concerned citizens, and students converged on Queen’s Park on August 28 for the Rally for Education. Eighty-nine busloads of ETFO members arrived, some of whom travelled for seven hours to attend the rally.
Bill 115 is the legislation that was passed by the Liberal government to legislate ETFO collective agreements and those of other education unions.
Educators come to their profession as a calling. We do so because we believe we have something important to contribute to the children who will shape our society and build our future.
