Ontario is kicking off its education bargaining season, and unions are focusing on smaller class sizes, better funding for special education, and increased wages.
Contracts for teachers and education workers across public elementary, secondary, Catholic, and French schools will expire in August. Today, their unions announced they have officially started the bargaining process.
Unions have been clear that reducing class sizes is a top priority this round. David Mastin, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, mentioned that they will propose lowering class sizes in kindergarten and Grades 4 to 8.
He noted that the current class size limits for Grades 1 to 3 have provided stability and improved learning experiences for students in those grades. Teachers want similar benefits for other elementary classes.
Martha Hradowy, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, expressed concerns about large high school class sizes. She highlighted that destreaming has not been supported adequately with resources from the government.
Education Minister Paul Calandra stated earlier this week that he anticipates challenging negotiations but hopes to maintain a cooperative relationship with the unions.
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