Ontario Catholic teachers to launch administrative job action Monday

Ontario’s English Catholic teachers say they will be launching a work-to-rule campaign Monday.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) says that unless a tentative agreement is reached, members across the province will be taking administrative job action beginning Jan. 13.

“We have not taken this decision lightly, but we believe it is necessary to secure a fair contract and protect publicly funded education in Ontario,” says Liz Stuart, President of OECTA in a news release. “We have been doing our part to negotiate an agreement, including meeting almost 40 times with the government and school board trustees. However, the Ford government has been disorganized and disrespectful throughout the process, and they continue to insist on an agreement that includes significant cuts.”

The job action means teachers would not be participating in tasks such as preparing report cards, participating in EQAO-related activities, and attending or participating in Ministry of Education initiative.

The announcement comes the same day as high school teachers stage a one-day strike in select boards, including District School Board of Niagara.

OECTA, which represents 45,000 teachers, says they have bargaining dates with the province Thursday and Friday.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce is set to hold a news conference this morning.