Talks are resuming today between the province and the elementary teachers union.
It’s the first sign of potential progress in more than a month, as looming strike escalation threatens to shut schools twice a week.
The government-appointed mediator called the two sides back to the table for talks, which will be the first negotiations since Dec. 19.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce said in a statement, “We look forward to the opportunity to negotiate to reach a voluntary settlement that ends the union-led escalation that is hurting so many students.”
ETFO president Sam Hammond said they would be “open exploratory talks,” but that the Ford government’s negotiators “must include a mandate to remove further cuts, increase supports for students with special needs, preserve the current kindergarten model with a teacher and designated early childhood educator, and maintain fair and transparent hiring practices.”
If no deal is reached by Friday, ETFO plans to stage a provincewide strike once a week, as well as a one-day rotating strike affecting each school board, starting Monday.
Ontario's English Catholic teachers also announced yesterday they will hold a second provincewide strike next Tuesday, Feb. 4.
