You may be sick of politics but you need to know that Tim Hudak has now admitted that Tory administration would raise class sizes, increasing the 20-student class-size cap up to Grade 3 to 23 children.
From Grade 4 to 8, the cap would jump from 24.5 students to 26 and in high school classes would rise from 22 to 24. Needless to say, this would result in a surplus of Teachers. For the first time in many years, the flow from OT Ranks to Teacher ranks would be reversed.
Tim Hudak's promise to cut 100,000 public sector jobs means that approximately 19,000 of those 100,000 pink slips would be given to teachers (9,000) and educational support staff (10,000).
Tim Hudak has stated that he would cancel the 2% raise promised to Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario members, restoring equity in salary with secondary Teachers in September.
Hudak also states that if elected he will ensure that "new" government hires won't be eligible for a "gold-plated pension" so be aware that your Teachers' Pension Plan is definitely one of his targets.
Have a talk with your family and friends. Do everything you possibly can to ensure that the Hudak Conservatives are not elected. We must do all that we can to ensure he does not form the government on June 12!
ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
