Ontario high school teachers approve new deal to avoid strikes

Ontario secondary school teachers have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a bargaining proposal to settle contract issues through arbitration and avoid any strikes.

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) reached a tentative deal with the government last month to continue negotiations up until Oct. 27 when all remaining items would be sent to an arbitrator.

The Ministry of Education says the proposal will avoid any strikes in this round of negotiations.

Members of #OSSTF in the #OntEd school board sector have voted overwhelmingly to adopt the proposal to resolve bargaining w/ the ON govt through a process that could include binding interest arbitration.

Proposal was adopted w/ 78.4% support. More info: https://t.co/Mr08AxD9DV pic.twitter.com/B2D35y3Zts

— OSSTF Communications (@osstf) September 28, 2023

Union members passed the proposal with 78.4 per cent supporting the motion.

READ MORE: Education workers represented by ETFO reach tentative deal

President Karen Littlewood says the union has unsuccessfully tried to engage the Progressive Conservative government in good faith bargaining for 14 months, and now this allows them to bypass traditional bargaining methods to secure a fair deal.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says it’s a significant step forward in providing stability for high school students.

#BREAKING: The OSSTF deal has been ratified — providing stability for high school students & their parents.

Good news for Ontario families.

Read my statement below pic.twitter.com/zQoeQM1mTl

— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) September 28, 2023

The three other major teachers’ unions have so far rejected the idea of using binding arbitration.

Lecce is calling on these unions to follow to “reach and deal and end the delay.”

READ MORE: Teachers’ unions urged to take arbitration route to avoid strike: education minister