Negotiations in the News
In a press release issued on Wednesday, September 3rd, ETFO President David Clegg responded to public comments made by Premier McGuinty and Minister Wynne that elementary teachers should be happy with a 3 per cent increase in each of the next four years.
Clegg stated emphatically that “salary is not the issue; it was never the issue.” The issue is the $711 dollars less per year that is provided for an elementary student as compared to a secondary student. This limits the supports and learning opportunities in place for elementary students, results in larger class sizes in grades 4 to 8, and means fewer specialist teachers in physical education, music, guidance and library.
The government should realize that its primary goal of closing the achievement gap can never be realized while the funding gap at the elementary level continues to exist. In other words, the funding gap of $711 actually undermines the government's key priority in education.
Clegg ended his media release by stating that “the federation will not return to the provincial discussion table under the threat of an ultimatum or deadline,” referring to Education Minister Kathleen Wynne’s statement that the 3 per cent offer would be off the table after November 30.