Last night, the Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario (ETFO) accepted Minister of Education, Liz Sandals offer to return to the bargaining table. It is not certain when the talks will resume, but the ETFO expressed that they want a fair deal to be in place.
ETFO Local Union President, Craig Smith indicated greatly that the union has been eager to get back to negotiations for two weeks. Sandals has concerns about a possible rotating strike that could affect parents and students. Smith noted that there could be possible rotating strikes if there is no positive progress at the central table. Smith added that it is good news that the government sought to resume talks.
President of ETFO, Sam Hammond was quoted by saying “We learned at 5:00 pm that Minister Sandals has called upon ETFO to return to the bargaining table. ETFO has been ready to return to the table for two weeks to bargain a fair and reasonable collective agreement specific to ETFO members.”
Government asked #ETFO to return to the table. We've been waiting for 2 wks to resume talks so on behalf of 78,000 members I accept! #onpoli
— Sam Hammond (@ETFOpresident) September 29, 2015
The teacher’s union are currently in phase three of work to rule.
