The DDSB ETFO Collective Agreement 2016: Understanding the Latest Developments
The DDSB ETFO Collective Agreement 2016 is a crucial document for Ontario’s education sector. It sets out the terms and conditions of employment for teachers represented by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) in the Durham District School Board (DDSB).
Recent developments in the collective bargaining process have made the agreement a hot topic, and it’s worth understanding what’s going on. Here are some key things you need to know:
Background
The DDSB ETFO Collective Agreement 2016 was negotiated in 2014, covering a period of four years from September 1, 2014, to August 31, 2018. The agreement covered issues such as salary, benefits, and working conditions.
In early 2019, the Ontario government announced that it would be increasing class sizes in the province’s schools. This led to concerns among teachers and their unions about the implications for students and teachers. The government also announced that it would be reducing funding for education, which prompted further concern.
Current Situation
The DDSB ETFO Collective Agreement 2016 expired on August 31, 2018, and negotiations for a new agreement began in earnest. However, negotiations have been stalled for several months, with ETFO calling for more resources to address class size and other issues.
On January 15, 2020, ETFO announced that its members would be engaging in a one-day full withdrawal of services on January 28. This would be the first province-wide strike by ETFO since 1997.
On February 21, the Ontario Labour Relations Board ruled that ETFO’s planned strike was unlawful, citing the union’s failure to provide “proper notice” to the employer of its intention to strike. ETFO has since said it will be taking further legal action.
What’s Next?
At the time of writing, negotiations between DDSB and ETFO are ongoing, and it’s not clear when a new agreement will be reached. However, it’s clear that tensions are high, and there is significant concern among teachers and parents about the impact of funding cuts and class size increases.
Ultimately, the DDSB ETFO Collective Agreement 2016 is a crucial document that affects the lives of thousands of teachers and students in Ontario’s education system. It’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and understand what’s at stake for all involved.