More than 30 days of bargaining have allowed ETFO, OPSBA and the government to resolve the majority of outstanding issues on the way to a fairly negotiated settlement.   The parties have tentatively agreed on the following substantive matters: Class size  Teacher supervision time  Preparation time  Salary increases  Regulation 274 – Hiring Practices The addition…

The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) is pleased to announce that the Association has ratified the tentative settlement reached with OSSTF Teachers. “This agreement ensures positive learning conditions for students and is respectful of the teachers who work in our classrooms,” said Michael Barrett, president of OPSBA. “Teachers and education workers deeply influence a…

​July 24, 2015 – We appreciate the opportunity provided today to dialogue with the Premier, the Minister of Education and our Teacher affiliates, on the collective bargaining process. It is our view that, at this time, matters being negotiated at each of the bargaining tables should not be vetted in the media. Rather, it is our position…

On Tuesday June 23, the Toronto Star reported the following: “On Monday, (Minister) Sandals also confirmed figures from the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association that ETFO’s demands – including wage made in writing and verbally – would cost $3.2 billion.   The school boards’ association said ETFO is seeking a three per cent raise each year for…

When negotiations began many months ago, OPSBA and ETFO signed ground rules that prevented either side from bargaining in the media. That is why you have heard very little on the subject from OPSBA. Increasingly, however, ETFO has taken to the media, including full-page ads, to assert their positions and misrepresent ours. We believe that…

​ June 10, 2015 – The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to public education made by individuals from across Ontario. There are so many dedicated people who make a difference for students every day and the recipients of these awards represent all those who work tirelessly and unselfishly to make our…

  ​Teachers are respected professionals. In pursuing the best outcomes for students, school boards rely on that professionalism. It reflects the commitment teachers bring to their classroom practice and their responsibilities to their students. Where school boards and the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) differ is in ETFO’s definition of professionalism as complete autonomy…

​What are school boards really saying about class size? The school board proposal to OSSTF ensures that secondary school students have access to the classes required to graduate, protects class sizes and is respectful of teacher working conditions.  OPSBA’s proposal uses locally established class sizes and, in accommodating student choice, would never exceed 3 additional…

Some Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario collective agreements have outdated language that does not match the province’s regulated class sizes. Our proposal is that all collective agreements align with the Ministry of Education’s regulated class sizes. The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association is not proposing any increase to these regulated class sizes. Our collective agreements…

​May 8, 2015 – ETFO President Sam Hammond announced to parents that elementary teachers will begin work to rule on Monday, May 11th and will not administer standardized tests, write report card comments or perform other administrative duties. He also indicated that the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) is demanding numerous concessions. ETFO has further indicated…

Collective bargaining is a two-way street. A collective agreement is signed by both employee and employer representatives. It includes rights and responsibilities for both Parties. It is a shared document. Our collective challenge is to promote and support student learning, achievement and well-being while respecting a balanced teacher workload. WE MUST ADAPT TO CHANGE  The…

The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) views today’s Grants for Student Needs (GSN) announcement as evidence of the provincial government’s continued commitment to the value of a strong publicly funded education system. Continued stability in our schools is an essential foundation for student success and well-being. OPSBA welcomes the provincial government’s commitment to sustainable…