In our second of three excerpts from ETFO's Collective Bargaining 2012 "Control Your Future" distributions, the focus is on Sick Leave.
The government has proposed a permanent change in the sick leave benefit for Teachers and LTOs. Currently, Teachers and LTOs are allotted 20 sick leave credits per school year; in Thames Valley those credits can be banked for future use. The government has proposed a 70% reduction in sick days. This will mean:
- annual sick leave will be reduced to just 6 days per year;
- unused sick days can no longer be carried forward into the following year;
- Teachers will receive only 2/3 salary for each sick day taken beyond 6 days through a short-term sick leave plan.
Receiving a reduced salary while on short-term sick leave will lower Teachers' and LTOs pension contributions; that means there will be negative pension repercussions.
The government's proposal will replace the current sick leave plan with an inferior short-term sick leave plan and Ontario's Teachers and education professionals will pay the price.
"The government has threatened to impose these conditions on ETFO members through legislation if ETFO doesn't agree to them. That's just plain wrong! Send a message to the Premier, to the Minister, and to your MPP. Tell the government to : RESPECT TEACHERS AND RESPECT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING."
We hope to see everyone at the Spring General Meeting taking place tomorrow evening, May 24th, at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, from 4:30 - 7:30 PM.
ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
