A rotating strike scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2020 has been suspended.
“We have received late word (on Friday) that the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), which represents Catholic teachers in Ontario, is suspending its schedule of rotating one-day full withdrawals of services (full strike actions) scheduled for next week,” Deb Crawford, director of education, said in a written statement.
“This means the one day strike previously announced for Monday, February 24, 2020 is cancelled. All St. Clair Catholic elementary and secondary schools will be open to students and staff on Monday, February 24, 2020. Bussing will run as normal.”
Crawford said the St. Clair board see this suspension of scheduled rotating strikes as a hopeful sign in the provincial negotiations.
“The Ministry of Labour appointed mediator has called parties in the negotiations back to the central bargaining table for Monday, February 24, 2020,” Crawford said.
“As of (Friday), there are no further one-day full strike actions scheduled for St. Clair Catholic. All schools will remain open until further notice. Should there be a change you will be notified by direct email and through updated posts to Board and school websites, Edsby and the Board’s Facebook and Twitter platforms.”
Crawford said to continue visiting the Board website at www.st-clair.net for labour relations updates.
Liz Stuart, president of OECTA said Friday’s “historic strike” was an incredible display of the passion and dedication of teachers and education workers across Ontario.
“At the same time, we have always said that our goal is to negotiate a deal at the bargaining table, and it is clear that our efforts are being effective in forcing the government to work with our Association toward a fair agreement,” Stuart said in a press release.
“The mediator has called the parties back to the table on Monday, February 24, and we have been assured that the discussions will continue to be meaningful. As a result, OECTA will be suspending the rotating strikes planned for next week.”
Stuart added: “Catholic teachers have demonstrated that we will do what is necessary to stand up against this government’s cuts to publicly funded education. Should negotiations cease being productive, further strike action will be announced.”
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