The lessons being taught at London Central Secondary School took a different approach on Wednesday. There were still teachers and something to be learned. But rather than a classroom, it took place on Waterloo Street, and instead of students, it was members of the public getting taught, as the OSSTF went on a one day strike.
Teachers and volunteers carried signs as they marched around the post-secondary school that sits next door to London city hall. The picketing was a revolt against the lack of discussion about budget cuts between the OSSTF and the Ford Government. The changes would include increasing class sizes as well as more eLearning among other things. Andy, a gentleman who preferred to keep his last name hidden, helped organize the picketing.
“We’re hoping it’ll put pressure on the government to go back to the table and for some meaningful bargaining because right now they haven’t really been proposing any solutions or responding to any the proposals that OSSTF has made,” said Andy.
A look at some of the teachers on strike outside of London Central Secondary School pic.twitter.com/3rIXgegU61
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Picketers stood their ground, as they felt the chills of the fall weather that hovered around 0 degrees, before the wind chill. Despite the frigid weather, their passion never wavered as they continued to
“You know, the, the cuts have already been felt this year but we are not only trying to you know, stop those cuts but we are also trying to prevent further cuts from occurring in the future,” Said Andy.
Andy added that the strike is about putting student needs first.
The picketing was in action around the province, as high school teachers and support workers stood in solidarity. London was home to multiple pickets of their own, including Saunders Secondary School.
