- Salary Freeze: With the current inflation rate running at approximately 2.6% per year, a two-year salary freeze will erode the purchasing power of Occasional Teachers.
- Grid Freeze: The government has proposed a salary grid freeze between September 1, 2012 and August 31, 2014. That salary grid freeze will mean that Occasional Teachers assigned to long term occasional (LTO) positions will not be allowed to advance on the salary grid due to experience. As well, you They will also not be allowed to change categories on the salary grid when they take additional Qualification (AQ) and university courses. AQ courses will not count for salary purposes; when you do get a permanent contract your full experience may not be recognized when you are placed on the teacher salary grid.
- OT Sick Leave: Many collective agreements allow Occasional Teachers to accumulate sick leave credits when assigned to LTOs. Occasional Teachers use those credits for paid sick leave if they become ill and can't work. The government's proposal to cap annual sick leave means that you will only get a maximum of 6 sick days each school year; this will significantly reduce the number of fully-paid sick days available to Occasional Teachers.
- Availability of OT Work: If teachers are forced to come to work sick, finding teaching assignments will be even more difficult for Occasional Teachers.
The government has threatened to impose these conditions on ETFO members through legislation if ETFO doesn't agree to them. Along with OSSTF and AEFO, ETFO has left these voluntary discussions and will continue to bargain at the local level. Tell the government to Respect teachers and respect collective bargaining - Send a message to the Premier, the Minister, and your MPP.
Local Events
The Annual General Meeting will take place next Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 4:30 - 7:30PM at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South, in London. Dinner Buffet with salmon, beef or vegetarion options 5:00PM. RSVP required for meal at tvotpd@gmail.com / 519-641-3936. Mingle with you peers and have a chance to win one of our many door prizes.
