The Elementary School Teachers Federation of Ontario wrapped up two days worth of strikes on Tuesday.
Each member of the Union was outside of their respective schools during the day picketing from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m..
Outside of Boyne Public School in Milton, Roland McDougall, says it’s been frustrating being out of the school this much.
He adds that it’s understandable why parents have been upset or annoyed but that hasn’t changed the support from them.
McDougall also explains some of the financial impacts that teachers face while out striking.
McDougall who was outside of Boyne Public School says that he understands people’s frustration with the strikes.
Milton MPP Parm Gill had this to say about the week long strikes.
“Continued escalation of job action by the teachers’ unions has gone on far too long. Students across the province are being hurt by the withdrawal of services and loss of classroom time.
“Our government is focused on reaching deals that protect our children’s future, invest in their potential, and ultimately keep them in the classroom, where they belong. While we are making reasonable moves at the negotiating table and listening to the families and students we serve, teachers’ unions continue to escalate, undermining the certainty that students and parents deserve. We’re fighting to ensure that merit triumphs over seniority and tenure in hiring practices.
“Our priority is to invest in Ontario’s students, not compensation – that is why we are on track to spend $1.2 billion more this year than last year. Repeated escalation at the expense of our students, to advance higher compensation, higher wages, and even more generous benefits, is unacceptable. Our students deserve better.”
Some of the issues that have the teachers and province are fighting over include wages, in-classroom violence, and support staff funding.
