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Imposed contracts `demoralizing' to all education workers: union Continued from page 1 5 · Friday, January 4, 2013 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Federation (OSSTF) across the province. The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) negotiated a contract with the Province last summer, while the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) members have been given a deadline of Jan. 14 to ratify a contract that was hammered out during 30 hours of negotiations over the holidays. CUPE represents approximately 55,000 school support workers in Ontario. The contracts imposed on ETFO and OSSTF members will mirror the deal negotiated by OECTA. The contracts will freeze wages for most teachers, but will allow younger teachers to continue moving up the salary grid (reflecting gains in years of service and qualifications). The contracts will also cut sick days from 20 to 10 and end the banking of unused sick days, which previously could have been cashed-out at retirement. Both the ETFO and OSSTF provincial presidents have responded unfavourably to the imposed contracts. Locally, the message was no different. "It's demoralizing to all education workers, not only teachers," said Debbie Majka, president of the OSSTF District 20 (Halton) Office Clerical and Technical bargaining unit, in response to Broten's announcement. "It's unfair that she is legislating goodwill by imposing contracts and indicating her intent to repeal the bill. The only true repeal of the bill is restoration of our collective bargaining rights under the Labour Relations Act. That's what we want. We want our collective bargaining rights back. We don't want to have contracts imposed on us." Majka said goodwill cannot be legislated through imposed contracts. "Even though she says she will repeal the bill, but how is that going to restore collective bargaining? That's what we're concerned about," Majka said. "We're extremely disappointed the minister decided to go that way," said Marg Macfarlane, ETFO Halton president. "Sam (Hammond, ETFO president) offered an alternative to immediately imposing contracts that would allow us to work with the new premier and to hopefully come to a mutually agreeable place as opposed to going this way where things are imposed and certainly people aren't going to be happy about that." With contracts in place, the unions will no longer be in a legal strike position. It is unknown, as of Thursday afternoon, how either union will respond. Macfarlane said both the ETFO and OSSTF are holding provincial meetings on Jan. 9 to discuss the situation. Furthermore, the unions are still waiting to get the full details of the contracts. Hammond told news outlets, ETFO is exploring every option available. ETFO members have voted 92 per cent in favour of a day of political action if contracts were imposed. Hammond also noted in a news release that by repealing Bill 115, Broten is admitting the legislation is flawed. "Minister Broten will not erase the stain of Bill 115 simply by removing it after it is used. Ontarians will realize that democracy "We're extremely disappointed the minister decided to go that way (impose contracts). Sam (Hammond, ETFO president) offered an alternative to immediately imposing contracts that would allow us to work with the new premier and to hopefully come to a mutually agreeable place...." Marg Macfarlane, president, Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario is not being well served by these actions," he said. He said the impasse between teachers and the government has never been about a wage freeze. Instead, he noted, it was about the democratic right of people in the province to collectively bargain. "The agreements imposed by the minister under Bill 115 are by no means collective agreements. There was never any attempt by the minister to hold fair and respectful negotiations," said Hammond. OSSTF president Ken Coran told news outlets a lot of goodwill that has been earned from both sides has now been tarnished. Huge price thaw on NOW 30 to 60% off. For a limited time, enjoy discounts of up to 60% off a selection of our stylish suits, jackets and casual wear. Don't miss your chance to expand your winter wardrobe with Burrows ­ hurry in today! The quality you demand. The exceptional service you expect. For more information, please contact us at 905.842.0232, or info@burrowsclothiers.com Boxing Week Sale Continues Gerry Weber · Monari · Nueva Linea Domani and more (excluding accessories and new arrivals) Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m 200 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville · 905.842.0232 · www.burrowsclothiers.com