Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell released the following statement ahead of today’s (Wednesday) one-day strike by members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (a portion has been removed due to it being outdated):
“Our government’s firm position and that of parents is that strikes hurt kids. Our Government has been clear, we want deals that keep students in class. For teacher unions to escalate to the point of compromising students’ education is deeply troubling for parents and our Government.
Our Government has demonstrated consistently it is reasonable and student-centric by making major moves that have not been matched or reciprocated by the teachers’ unions.
As with the Minister of Education, I call on OSSTF to remain at the bargaining table, with third-party, independent mediation. All parties that are truly committed to the success of our children will consider every tool available to avoid strikes which hurt our students.
Our aim, as was the case with CUPE, is to get a deal that provides continuity for parents, and educational stability for students.
I support a deal, not a strike. Our team remains unequivocal in our determination to land deals with our labour partners as soon as possible to keep our kids in the classroom.”