February 10, 2023
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OECTA Files Labour Board Complaint
On February 10, the OECTA Provincial Bargaining Team (PBT) met with representatives of the Government of Ontario (Crown) and the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA), to continue negotiations for the renewal of the central terms of our collective agreement.
Once again, the PBT came to the bargaining table ready to engage in substantive discussions on key issues that impact your working conditions and students’ learning conditions – issues that Catholic teachers identified as being of great significance, in an overwhelming response rate to the Collective Bargaining Survey. Some of these issues include:
• Eliminating the hybrid learning model.
• Ensuring that each member receives daily preparation and planning time.
• Respecting your professional judgement.
• Protecting your health and safety.
• Defending and promoting the human rights of equity-deserving members.
Unfortunately, the Crown and OCSTA have continued to show no willingness to work collaboratively or meaningfully, often dismissing proposals seemingly without due consideration and failing to respond to information requests posed by the PBT.
As a result, and on the advice of legal counsel, the Association has filed a complaint against OCSTA with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), alleging that OCSTA has violated its obligation to bargain in good faith. It will likely take some time for the OLRB to hear and reach a decision on the complaint, and bargaining will continue while the complaint is being considered.
This OLRB complaint is in addition to a second matter that is currently before the OLRB, to determine the “scope” of several outstanding items – and whether those items will be addressed at the central bargaining table or in local bargaining. The OLRB hearing on “scope” will take place on February 15. It will take several weeks following the hearing for the OLRB to render a decision.
The Association remains committed to meeting with representatives of the Crown and OCSTA to work toward realizing a fair collective agreement. Once the OLRB decision on “scope” is made, the sides will determine future bargaining dates.