OSSTF D25 TBU

Another confusing turn in the Ford government’s takeover of Ontario school boards... First, trustees at supervised public school boards were stripped of their governing powers. Then, the province left it unclear whether newly elected trustees would even be sworn in. When some trustees said they would keep meeting with their communities and speaking publicly anyway, Minister Calandra reversed course: they will now be sworn in, while still being barred from governing. The effect is that trustees remain sidelined, but are once again subject to the code of conduct and integrity oversight. That raises a serious question: is this really about accountability, or about limiting how elected trustees can speak and organize while their boards remain under provincial control? When trustees make mistakes, Calandra takes over. When political allies make mistakes, Calandra promotes them. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Full story in the Toronto Star: bit.ly/4eFDQzb #OSSTF #OntEd #OnPoli

Four communities. One powerful message. From Ottawa, London, Sudbury, and Thunder Bay, education workers, families, students, and labour allies came out today to stand up for strong, properly funded public education. Across Ontario, we’re making our voices heard! #OSSTF #OntEd #OntEdUnited

IMPORTANT CENTRAL STRIKE VOTE UPDATE 🚨 #OSSTF members in the school board sector: Important central strike vote information has just been sent to your inbox. Please check your email for the latest bargaining bulletin.

Parents and communities never asked to give up their say in how their public schools are governed. Now, the Ford government is proposing rules that would leave newly elected trustees at eight supervised school boards waiting to be sworn in until provincial supervision ends. But there is no clear timeline. Communities could cast their ballots, only to have their chosen representatives sidelined while provincial appointees continue making decisions about their schools. Public education belongs to the public. Parents, students and communities deserve accountable local representatives who can raise their concerns, question decisions and act on their behalf. The Ford government must restore local decision-making and respect the voices of the people our schools serve. 🔗 bit.ly/4sjwNlA #OSSTF #OntEd #OnPoli

Talk. Invite. Rally ✊🏽 The October 24 rallies are about the issues students, families, teachers, and education workers are seeing every day: overcrowded and increasingly complex classrooms, staffing shortages, and under-resourced schools. Our new Talking to Friends and Family: Rally Edition infographic makes it easy to start the conversation and invite someone to join you! Read and share the guide: bit.ly/3VAWPEz Then make the ask: Will you join me on October 24? 📍 London · Ottawa · Sudbury · Thunder Bay · Toronto 🕐 1 p.m. ET ✅ Family-friendly. Everyone is welcome. Register for a rally - and for a bus to a rally: bit.ly/Together4Ed #OntEdUnited #OSSTF #OntEd

A new national survey paints a troubling picture of the pressures facing educators, with 70% reporting they regularly feel overwhelmed and a lack of education assistants identified as a major contributor to burnout. As OSSTF/FEESO District 11 President John Bernans told the London Free Press: “The lack of funding has a direct impact on support that students need and resources that teachers rely on every day. Special education students and the professionals who serve them are particularly vulnerable.” Underfunding has consequences, for students and the qualified professionals who support them every day. Full article: bit.ly/4dNuOja #OSSTF #OntEd #OnPoli

Strike votes are coming up November 6–16. What should every #OSSTF member understand before casting their ballot? In the latest episode of Education Forum: The Podcast, Protective Services Associate General Secretary Dave Barrowclough explains: 🗳️ why every vote matters 💪🏽 how a strong mandate gives members more power at the bargaining table 🏫 how it sends a clear message that we are serious about defending publicly funded education 🎧 Check out the full episode: underfunded.ca/podcast/

As the numbers keep ticking by, so do the days without a contract... 32 days later, teachers, education workers, and students are still waiting for meaningful bargaining. #OSSTF #OntEd #DaysWithoutAContract

Today is National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day. Custodians are essential to public education. Every day, they help ensure our schools are safe, clean, healthy and welcoming places for students, staff, and families. From preparing spaces before the school day begins to responding to the unexpected and keeping buildings running smoothly, their work is an important part of creating environments where students can learn and education workers can do their jobs. Much of this work happens behind the scenes but its impact is felt throughout every school community. Their work isn’t extra. It’s essential. #CustodialWorkersRecognitionDay #OntEd #OSSTF

October 24 is getting closer. Have you registered yet? Across Ontario, education unions are bringing members, families, and communities together for five regional rallies for publicly funded education in London, Ottawa, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Toronto. We’re rallying for what students need: 👩🏽‍🎓 smaller and better-balanced classrooms 🏫 fully staffed and resourced schools, 📈 adequate funding ✅ safe and supportive learning & working environments. Register today and invite your friends & family 👉🏽 bit.ly/Together4Ed #OSSTF #OntEd #OntEdUnited

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, OSSTF/FEESO honours the children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. We remember the profound harm caused by the residential school system and acknowledge that its impacts did not end when the schools closed. The ongoing effects of colonialism, racism, discrimination, and injustice continue to be felt by First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples, families, and communities. September 30 is a day to listen to Survivors, confront the history and legacy of residential schools, and reflect on our responsibility to support meaningful action toward reconciliation. At 12 p.m. ET today, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will present Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a 90-minute national commemorative gathering. We encourage members and followers to watch, listen, learn, and reflect. Watch live: trw-svr.nctr.ca/parliament-h… #NDTR #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters

Earlier today, OSSTF/FEESO President @marthahradowy and Vice-President Colin Matthew were at the first OLRB hearing date for the Teacher/Occasional Teacher bargaining table. Our focus remains on getting this process resolved as quickly as possible so meaningful bargaining can move forward. #OSSTF #OntEd

BREAKING: OSSTF/FEESO will hold a province-wide central strike vote for school board sector members from November 6 to 16 as the current round of collective bargaining continues. “Our members want fair, negotiated contracts that address the realities they are seeing in schools every day. A strike vote gives us an opportunity to strengthen our bargaining position and sends a clear message to the Ford government that OSSTF/FEESO members are united behind the bargaining priorities we will bring to the table,” said #OSSTF President @marthahradowy. A strike vote is not a strike, and it does not mean that job action is imminent or inevitable. A successful strike vote is one step in the collective bargaining process. Full release: bit.ly/4rw8Jv3 #OntEd #OnPoli