Ontario’s catholic teachers are heading to conciliation in hopes of reaching a new contract with the province.
A statement from the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) says the union is in the process of filing for conciliation to continue to work towards a fair, negotiated collective agreement that supports all teachers and students.
President René Jansen in de Wal says Catholic teachers have been bargaining with school boards and the government for almost 18 months, but progress remains extremely slow.
The union’s membership voted 97% in favour of strike action in October. Officials say the strike mandate and filing for conciliation are both tools in the bargaining process and do not mean the Association will begin a strike or job action.
Bargaining will continue while both sides await a Ministry of Labour-appointed conciliator, however union officials say they are still hoping to continue talks at the bargaining table.
