Your Member News
December 7, 2022
|
|
That's right - we have significant news to share!
An Ontario Court struck down Bill 124 – a law limiting public sector workers' wages to a one per cent annual increase. The Justice said that the Ford government’s law infringed on workers' freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, and it was not justified in a free and democratic society.
Now that’s big.
ETFO and labour unions across the province celebrated this legal victory. On November 30, the Ontario Federation of Labour President and several union leaders held a media conference to celebrate the ruling and call on the Premier to respect the bargaining process and avoid a lengthy and costly appeal.
In response to reporter questions, ETFO President Karen Brown said, “Workers in this province have lost extensive amounts of money due to the infringement of their rights. The government should have considered this. We’ll do what we can to ensure our members’ rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
|
|
In the News
The president spoke with several media outlets to advocate for educators and keep elementary issues top of mind. Below are a few media stories from the past month featuring your provincial union.
CP24
Toronto Star
CBC
Brampton Guardian
To view all ETFO media releases and statements, visit etfo.ca.
|
|
Labour Action Needed
In 2019, the Ford government imposed a wage cap with Bill 124. Over the last few years, the cap has had a devastating impact on educators and all frontline workers. Although the Court ruled that Bill 124 violated the Charter, Ford plans to appeal it. Once again, the government is set on wasting public dollars to fight workers in court.
It just makes no sense!
|
|
December Office Closure
The provincial office will be closed for its annual two-week shutdown starting at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16, and will re‐open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023.
During the closure, our Emergency After Hours Legal Assistance system will respond to critical calls (e.g., allegations, OCT/CECE complaints, police/CAS contact). Staff in Professional Relations Services (PRS) will also continue to return critical calls within 24 hours. Non‐critical calls will be responded to when the office re-opens.
If you need assistance from December 17 to January 2, please contact your local and access the etfo.ca website for information and updates.
|
|
Don’t Miss Out
This secure site provides information on upcoming events, classroom resources and professional learning. To make sure that you are connected, all you need to do to register!
Go to members.etfo.ca and click “Register Today”. Please note that you will need your ETFO ID.
|
|
Ford Blocks Paid Sick Leave
On November 28, MPPs had the chance to make a legislative change to implement paid sick days permanently for every worker. And yet, in a devastating and heartbreaking move, conservative MPPs voted against the ONDP bill that would guarantee 10 permanent paid sick days.
This was the 28th time the Conservatives blocked this change from being a basic right for all working people. We have to say shame to all the MPPs who voted NO to prevent paid sick days for all workers.
|
|
Professional Learning Events
|
|
 |
February 9-10
This women’s program provides women members with an opportunity to increase their financial literacy and learn about proactive financial fitness strategies.
The conference features dynamic keynote presentations by financial experts, a special seminar, and a variety of engaging workshops.
For full program details, please click here.
Registration opens December 13 and closes January 11.
|
|
|
|
February 15 -17
ETFO’s annual women’s program is a celebration of intersectional feminism, social justice, and unionism. Keynotes, panels, and workshops will address a variety of themes with a focus on union, school and community leadership, social justice, equity, and anti-oppressive practices.
This conference is open to all first-time participants and members who identify as women. There is a $50 registration fee.
The registration deadline is January 5.
|
|
|
|
Know Your Safety Rights
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, you are protected against reprisals for exercising your right to refuse unsafe work.
ETFO has excellent online resources about your workplace rights and responsibilities. Click below for a few tools, and visit etfohealthandsafety.ca for more info.
|
|
ETFO Standing Committee Vacancy
We are accepting applications for a vacancy on the Teacher Education/Faculty Liaison (for Wilfrid Laurier) Standing Committees for the 2022-2024 term.
Applications are due December 16.
|
|
New Podcast Episode
Featuring the 2022 Annual Meeting Social Justice speaker, producer and director Jennifer Holness on Blackness, beauty, and her documentary Subjects of Desire.
In this podcast episode, she discusses her film Subjects of Desire, which follows contestants through the Miss Black America Pageant. Along the way, the film also examines the origins of stereotypes about Black women, how mainstream white culture co-opts Black beauty standards, and what all that means for Black women today.
Listen to the Elementary podcast on most apps or click here.
|
|
Register for Winter AQ
ETFO AQ offers focused, current, and practical courses by educators for educators and is built on a strong foundation of learning and community.
Our 2023 winter session runs from January 16 to March 31, and registration closes on January 10 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Check with your board to inquire about available subsidies for general Additional Qualification courses, such as Mathematics, Environmental Education, Special Education, or courses related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit knowledge.
We want to thank all educators for choosing ETFO as their AQ course provider. Your continued support is appreciated.
If you have forgotten your username or password, please call
1-877-325-7778 for assistance.
|
|
Know Your Copyright
Copyright Matters! is a teacher resource that provides practical information on your rights and responsibilities regarding using copyright-protected materials in educational institutions.
The new fifth edition will help you to navigate copyright law. Download it today from copyrightmatters.ca.
|
|
School Food Program
On November 16, 2022, Employment and Social Development Canada opened an online consultation process to create a pan-Canadian school food policy. Establishing a national school food program is a priority for the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, and members are encouraged to offer support.
|
|
Shop Safely Online
Online shopping has become a big part of many Canadians' lives. As an online shopper, you get to avoid checkout lines, scout for the best prices and shop whenever you want – all from the comfort of your home.
Here are nine online shopping safety tips to help prevent scams and protect yourself and your family. Read more.
|
|
-
In Pay Attention Amanda Hardy examines ways to engage students in learning.
-
While our education system prioritizes the English language have you ever considered the loss of first language for ELL students? Diane Kim tackles this issue in Lost in Translation.
|
|
And that’s a wrap for the 2022 ETFO News! |
|
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents 83,000 teachers and education workers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
