Submitted photo
With contracts set to expire on August 31st, teachers are looking for a new deal with the province of Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford issued a warning on June 30th that students should return to school in September with extracurricular activities instead of dealing with labour disruptions.
Submitted photo of LETO President Dave Paddington
“Well I don’t think there is any intention to make anything happen as such right now,” said Dave Paddington, President of the Lakehead Elementary Teachers of Ontario. “I believe it’s a lot of posturing from Doug Ford. He’s made it no secret that public service workers are in his crosshairs. He loves to beat up on nurses and teachers. While I think it’s a positive remark that the one per cent restrictions are ending, I think the reality is with eight per cent inflation it’s going to be a trick to see what is a reasonable number.”
Paddington took on the role of President from Mike Judge and has experience with contract negotiations as first Vice-President.
“I’ve been involved with the Federation locally for more than twelve years, so it’s not entirely new to me, which makes for an easier transition,” Paddington stated. “We certainly have a good relationship locally. Bargaining is really two tiers: There’s the provincial bargaining, which will happen with (the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario), and then of course we have our local bargaining here, which will happen either concurrently or just after the provincial stuff gets done. Having sat at that table, I think it will be a smooth transition because all of the players are really the same just the chairs have moved around.”
The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has served notice to the province that they were ready to bargain.
