It’s another day on the picket lines for local public high school teachers, and a day off for students.
Rotating one-day strikes by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation is hitting the Lambton Kent District School Board, along with nine other boards across the province today, as a contract dispute with the province drags on.
Two days of talks were scheduled this week, but were called off by the mediator on Monday, saying both sides should use the Christmas break to reconsider their positions.
The OSSTF maintains the dispute revolves around class sizes, mandated e-learning courses, and other issues. However, Education Minister Stephen Lecce says it really all boils down to compensation.
The teachers have been without a contract since their last deal with the province expired in August.
All high schools under the Lambton Kent board will be closed today and high school sports will be rescheduled.
Elementary schools, including grade 7 and 8 and alternative elementary programs located in LKDSB secondary schools will remain open.
These are the boards being affected by today’s job action:
Lambton Kent District School Board
Thames Valley District School Board
Waterloo Region District School Board
Waterloo Catholic District School Board
York Region District School Board
York Catholic District School Board
Halton District School Board
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
Lakehead District School Board
Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board