Toronto, ON – In view of COVID-19, The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is suspending rotating strike action scheduled to begin on March 23.

Other modifications to ETFO’s work-to-rule action will be shared with members shortly.

“Following the March break, ETFO members will continue to engage in work-to-rule strike action but will not engage in full withdrawal of service rotating strikes that were scheduled to begin on Monday March 23,” said ETFO President Sam Hammond.

ETFO has been actively monitoring COVID-19 guidelines from the Government of Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health, local public health boards and the World Health Organization aimed at reducing transmission of the virus.

Yesterday and today, Ontario public health officials confirmed 17 more cases of COVID-19 in areas including York Region, Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Sudbury and Waterloo, bringing the total identified cases of the virus to 59 in the province. Despite this limited number, the spread of the virus appears to be increasing.

ETFO represents 83,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals across the province. Its Building Better Schools education agenda can be viewed at BuildingBetterSchools.ca.

For more information, contact ETFO Media Relations:
Valerie Dugale, 1-888-838-3836 x2331, cell: 416-948-0195, vdugale@etfo.org.