This message is being posted to clarify the announcement made on Friday by Premier Wynne and Education Minister Sandals, and also to address the rumours that started immediately circulating after the announcement.

The Council of Trustees Association is the bargaining agent for the provincial school boards of Ontario. These are the people our School Board Bargaining Committee (OSBCC) sit across the table from in negotiations.

The CTA has applied to the government for permission to impose sanctions on our members in retaliation for the LEGAL strike actions we have undertaken (Work To Rule, Phases 1 & 2). They claim the system is in chaos, so obviously our WTR is having the desired effect.

Some of the sanctions being proposed include possible docking of pay, reduction of hours, etc. Our employers, the School Boards, CANNOT LEGALLY CHANGE THE TERMS OF OUR COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE GOVERNMENT. At this time, the government is unwilling to give that permission.

Instead, Premier Wynne has instructed both sides to go back to the table and try to negotiate a settlement. She has given the parties 8 days to come up with an agreement. This means we are still in negotiations until November 1. DURING THIS PERIOD, EVERYTHING REMAINS IN PLACE, INCLUDING HOURS OF WORK AND FULL PAY.

If on November 1, no agreement has been reached, then the government MAY OR MAY NOT, DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE, give permission to the CTA to impose sanctions. However, before sanctions may be imposed, the CTA MUST GIVE OUR UNION 5 DAYS NOTICE of their intentions. DURING THE 5 DAYS NOTICE, THE TERMS OF OUR COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT REMAIN IN PLACE, INCLUDING FULL PAY.

The earliest date the School Boards may impose sanctions would be Monday, November 9.

Our OSBCC Bargaining Committee has its own timeline for the progression of our Work To Rule sanctions, and we refuse to be bullied or intimidated by government or Trustee Association imposed deadlines.

The OSBCC wishes to stress to our members that our WTR actions are LEGAL AND HAVING AN EFFECT. We need to continue working under the WTR Instructions and let the negotiation process continue.

In the meanwhile, members are urged to ignore and discount any rumours crossing your path. Your Union Executive will try to keep you informed as soon as possible of any developments and updates as they occur.

Brother and sister now is the time that we must prepare for upcoming job action.

If the premier allows the Council of Trustees Association permission to alter our collective agreement. I encourage you to ensure that the following is done before any job action.

1. Fill all prescriptions including children and spouse prior to strike action commencing as well as attend para professional appointments in advance of a strike action (optometrist, physiotherapist, massage);
2. Avoid large purchase(s);
3. Talk to your financial institute, make arrangements for loans and mortgages in the event of strike action;
4. Call local union for further information.

In solidarity

TORONTO, ON – Premier Wynne’s promise to grant requests from the Council of Trustees Association (CTA) to respond to job action by CUPE’s 55,000 education workers could make an already difficult labour situation worse, said the president of Ontario’s largest union.

“The Premier entertaining the CTA’s request won’t improve labour relations in Ontario’s schools,” said Fred Hahn, President of CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Ontario. “Our members are sick and tired of the lack of respect from this government for their critical work in our schools. They’ve seen the services they provide to students cut by this government. CUPE education workers have been without a fair collective agreement for well over a year because of this government. And now, when the government should be resolving this labour dispute, we get ultimatums.”

Download the full news release

Local 1176 and the provincial committee are working hard to negotiate a fair and equitable collective agreement. We believe that preparation for any outcome is important at this time. To that end , we are asking all members to complete, sign and return the attached Strike Pay Application Form to the Vice President Marty Hayward.

In order to receive strike pay under the National Strike Fund Regulations, specifically Article 4, each member must apply for the benefit in order to be eligible to receive strike pay.

Download Strike Pay Application

In the event that any member of the local feels the actions of the employer could possibly be a Labour Board Complaint, please gather the following details and provide them to your local president who will pass it on to our National Rep.

Please include the following details:

1) Who said what to whom, where and when. When referencing a person I need to know what their position is – for the union or the employer.

2) Specifically what members have been affected and how.

3) Has there been a threat of discipline and if so from whom?

4) Has there been a threat to deduct pay?

5) Have members been ordered to comply with a supervisors directive?

• Where they disciplined for not complying?
• Completed work under protest?

6) What communications have gone back and forth with the employer. (provide copies of any documents – emails, meeting notes, etc. asap.)

please also include what the status of local bargaining is – has a no board been issued, if so, please send a copy etc.