ETFO Announces Tentative Contract Extension - A Local Perspective
Between February 27 and March 3, ETFO members will be asked to vote online to accept or reject the terms of a tentative contract extension. This is a departure from the regular course of bargaining in that our Collective Agreements have not yet expired and if accepted, there will be no local bargaining this round. It is the Local that maintains your Collective Agreement, responds to member difficulties and from these interactions, drafts improvements to take to the local table to address your needs. The superior provisions of your Agreement have come from this process. This proposal takes away that opportunity - what Board would dare break ranks with the public school boards association (OPSBA) to entertain local gains?
On Monday evening, your Local Executive met and considered the terms of this proposal. The deal provides a substantial investment in education to be shared among the federations, however after fighting Bill 115 to retain the right to bargain, your Local Executive feels strongly about losing local negotiations. Rejecting this proposal means bargaining will follow the usual course at the expiration of the current terms. One can never predict the outcome but it seems reasonable to expect that ETFO would be offered no less than the smaller Catholic and Francophone federations, especially as the Ontario election draws nearer.
We encourage members to give this deal the critical thought it deserves before you vote. Review the details as presented in the ETFO CB Newsletter, attend the information meeting slated for February 27 at the ETFO Teachers' Local on Bateman Trail and please do not hesitate to contact the Local with any questions. Please be assured that the outcome of the tentative contract extension will be democratically decided by the voting membership.
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Seeing, Engaging and Empowering the Learner in Kindergarten Conference
This conference is being offered for ETFO members only, to network with colleagues, explore effective practices and pedagogy in Kindergarten and enhance teacher and DECE knowledge about content and exemplary practices. This will be an exciting learning and networking opportunity for members from across the province.
The conference will be held at the Kingbridge Conference Centre in King City on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1, 2017. Participation is limited and participants will be selected by a random draw with preference going to first time attendees. Registration for the conferences closes on Wednesday, February 22 at 5:00 p.m.. The registration fee is $50 and covers transportation, shared accommodations, resources and release time. Successful applicants will be notified by email by Tuesday, February 28, 2017.
For more information go to www.etfo.ca
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We look forward to hosting over 140 members at next Tuesday's PD Event at the Stoneridge Inn and Conference Centre. At this time, there are some 12 spots remaining in the workshops. Avoid disappointment and register at www.etfotvot.com
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ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
