Upper Canada District School Board Chair disappointed with ETFO’s message

Brockville Ontario — The Chair of the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is disappointed that the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has not followed the lead of their secondary school counterparts to suspend political actions.  “Our students and parents will be frustrated that ETFO has not taken itself out of the equation by which teachers decide to fully participate in school activities,” explained Greg Pietersma.

“Although we are concerned about the information that teachers will receive, we are pleased that it is advice, not a directive to elementary teachers,” said David Thomas, UCDSB Director of Education.

“We continue to respect the fact that teachers must make their own personal decision regarding whether to volunteer in our schools.  Teachers who choose not to volunteer will be treated with the same level of respect as those who do volunteer,” added Thomas.

Pietersma echoed those comments:

“This underscores why it is necessary to get a decision from the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) quickly to decide whether it is appropriate for unions to disrupt our schools while contracts are in place.

“We appreciate that our teachers have been reflecting on the situation, and increasing numbers have been returning to supporting our students with a full school experience,” stated Pietersma.