The incredible amount of snow we've experienced this fall has wreaked havoc with transportation in the London area and especially in the counties. It has prompted many questions with respect to the rules regarding what takes place when there are bus delays and/or cancellations when the OT has managed to get themselves to the school. What happens if they get to the school and there aren't any students to teach due to bus cancellations and delays?
The rules are:
Bus delays: OTs go to the assignment and will be paid (regardless of whether the school is 100% bussed)
Bus delays that later become cancellations: you are expected to arrive at the assignment and will be paid (regardless of whether it is 100% bussed)
Bus cancellations at a 100% bussed school: the school will be closed, your assignment is cancelled and you will not be paid
Bus cancellation at all other schools: OTs are expected to arrive at the assignment and will be paid
There are several sources to learn about bus cancellations and school closures: listen to the radio, visit radio websites and of course the TVDSB website. The most accurate information regarding which schools are closed is found on the Board's homepage. This information is posted daily and updated throughout the day. It is the source you should refer to first.
Another frequently asked question is in regards to pay over the Christmas Holidays for LTOs. If you refer to your pocket calendar, you'll notice there are no teaching days listed for the January 14th deposit date. Be assured that as an LTO, you get the same annual pay as a permanent teacher with the same grid placement, however, your pay is divided into the 194 teachings days as per diem salary. In other words, permanent teachers have to wait 12 months to receive their full salary while as an LTO, you will receive yours 2 weeks after your last teaching day.
N.B. This is our final Wednesday BLOG for the 2010 calendar year. The BLOG will not be posted over the Christmas Break.
See you on January 5th, 2011 .
Happy Holidays to everyone!
ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
