ETFO/FEEO's most recent "Let's All Speak Up For Fairness" message clearly shows that Tim Hudak and the Progressive Conservatives potential imposition of U.S.- style laws will make it harder for workers to bargain for better wages and working conditions thus giving corporations more power while weakening workers' rights and driving down wages.
Ontario's teachers have fought hard for better wages, pensions, and working conditions for all Ontarians. Tim Hudak will take us backwards picking a fight with workers and driving our wages into the ground. The PCs have said they will:
Cut our Pay
Hudak will freeze wages across the public sector, including teachers' end pay-outs for unused sick days, and slash our benefits.
Make us work longer and harder for retirement
The PCs will raise the retirement age. And they'd end defined-benefit plans where employers have to contribute, and move to RRSPs where we're on our own.
Silence our Collective Voice
Tim Hudak wants to make it impossible for unions to fight effectively for workers. He'd let people opt out of paying union dues, while still getting the benefits the rest of us pay for.
Ontario teachers know what our kids need to succeed. And by fighting hard to be heard, we're making schools better. But Tim Hudak's agenda doesn't include listening to teachers. Instead, the PCs have said they will:
Expand standardized testing, not real learning
While other provinces are reducing cookie-cutter testing, the Ontario PCs want to waste valuable time and money on meaningless tests.
Stop progress on full-day kindergarten
Instead of giving our kids a better start, Hudak says he'd put full-day kindergarten on hold and 'review' play-based learning - the centerpiece of the program.
Make classrooms more crowded again
Hudak wants to roll back our progress on smaller classes and more individual attention. Primary class sizes would grow from 20 to 23, other elementary grades from 24.5 to 26, and secondary classes from 22 to 26.
Stay informed, ask questions, find out what's in store if you do nothing.....every voice counts!
We highly recommend members take a few minutes and watch the video - "Made in the USA: Tim Hudak's Plan to Cut Your Wages" at www.madeinusamovie.ca
Last Chance to Register:
On another note, there are only 13 spots available for our PD Event at the BMO Centre on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. One session is already filled. Don't wait until the last minute to register, you will be disappointed. Registration: www.etfotvot.com under Member Services. You must have an account on the website to register. Deadline for registrations for this event is noon, February 20, 2014.
Hope to see you at the BMO Centre!
ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
