Continued Strike Action At Expense Of Todays' Students
Press releases from Daisy Wai’s MPP office
• Teachers in Ontario have had their salaries rise over the last 15 years.
• In 2018-19, the total estimated cost to the government for all education sector employee life and health benefits is projected to be $1.2B, this includes teachers, education workers and administrative staff.
o The total funding for OECTA members is estimated to be over $215 million.
o The total funding for OSSTF teachers and EWs is estimated to be nearly $240 million.
o The total funding for ETFO teachers and EWs is estimated to be over $310 million.
o The total funding AEFO members is estimated to be over $42 million.
This week, the four major education sector unions will again continue their campaign of disruptive job action. We stand with parents who are growing weary of union leaders’ escalation. Furthermore, their kids deserve better-deserve to be in class-deserve to be in a safe learning environment.
We spend over 80 cents to the dollar on compensation, yet maintain a system that gives preference to union seniority over qualification and diversity. We need a system that works for students. An education system that ensures Ontario students are ready for disruption on the landscape - students that are technologically savvy, financially literate, emotionally intelligent, and job-ready to succeed throughout their journey in life. That’s our mission. And it starts with a good deal that keeps students in class.
We will continue fighting for students across Ontario, and would like our collective stance on the matter reiterated from earlier remarks made by Minister Lecce; "We want a deal that keeps students in class. Strikes by the teachers' unions have resulted in millions of student days lost. Days where students should have been in class preparing for math tests, practising for hockey games or music competitions, and learning the skills needed to succeed in their educational journey and beyond.
While OSSTF demands a $1.5 billion increase in wages and benefits, we will advance the case for investment in our kids. I'd rather see us reduce classroom sizes or invest further in improving math performance, as opposed to spending over $600 million (sector-wide) on a hike to an already generous benefits plan. With over 80 cents to the dollar spent on compensation and over 60% increase in spending since 2003, taxpayers and parents rightfully expect more and better for our students. We agree.
We have always been ready to meet at the negotiating table to reach a deal that keeps students in class."