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A Metroland Community Newspaper Vol. 138 No. 74 Fniday November 7, 1997 40 Pages 750 (GST included) Teachers hold une By KAREN SMITH The Champion There was no sign of an end to the teachers' strike yesterday Momn- ing despite word'of discussions between union leaders. Photos by GRAMAM FAINt Sa0lSting the silent Mfo einBranch 136 Sergeant-at-Arms Bob Allen (above) pays tribute ta fallen comrrades during Remnembrance Day services ln Brookvllle Sunday. Meanwhile, Jean Hasselfeldft (Inset) cardes die wreath as a Silver Cross Mothier. Because of increased "militancy" among rank-and-file teachers, beads of the province's teachers' federations opted 10 stay on the picket Uines, said Eileen ]Lennon, president of the 126,000-memnber Ontario Teachers Federation. "Tbere's buge support on the line. There's great militancy. There's greal concem. Tbere's greal resolve to continue the protest," she said Wednesday. About 2,000 Halton public school teachers appeared bound and determined Tuesday wben they staged a mass picket in Milton. Quietly displaying placards and waving at beeping cars, teachers marched from Bian Best Park to Ontario Street and then through downtuwn and back. AI Tanner, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation. was among the crowd. "The membersbip is very strong," he said. "The public support is still there encouraging us 10 keep up the action." And tens of thousands of teachers were 10 converge on Queen's Park yesterday to protest the government's proposed educa- lion reform legislation. Meanwhite, the Halton Board of Education, whicb bas publicly stated ils opposition 10 Bill 160, took action 10 end the strike aI a special meeting Tuesday. Trustees paased a motion. 10 join with the Greater Toronto Area boards in seek- ing a cease and desist order through the Ontario Labour Relations Board by today. But the board also voted 10 bold a meet- ing with teachers' federation presidents to dîacuss a volunlary agreement 10 retum 10 dlasa by Monday in exchange for no dis- ciplinary action beyond the lots of wages and benefils. "Ongoing talks with the Greater Toronto Area school boards have been taking place during tbe past week," Dusty Papke, the Halton board's'director of edu- cation, confinned Wednesday. "No date bas been established for the local meeting with the Halton Board of Education trustees and local teachers' fed- eration presidents." Milton's 1l public schools and four Catholic schools remain closcd due to the protest. Ontario teachers walked off the job protest Bill 160, tbe Educalion Improvemett Act. 'Me move is illegal for most because they bave existing contracts with their employers - achool boards. Teachers' unions have insisted the pro- posed legislation AI Tanner would remove teachers' contract limits on class size and preparation lime and bring about the hir- ing of unqualified people. But tome teachers say these issues are minor and the real bone of contention is tbat the bill is undemnocralic because il gives too much authority 10 govemrment in controlling how education is adminislered. However, the Harris government bas maintained tbe legisiation is simply a plan to improve the quality of education for students. Mtuf ti kMst là 11ÉO Crawford Lake has expanded its weekdlay programs to accommodate parents and students during the teachers' protest. For the duration of the stike, the local conservation area will offer slaff-guided village tours trom noon to 3 p.m. Monday 10 Friday. The costis $3 per person, with no charge for pre-school children. 327 UmmUb SIL S. Mutes LuT 4A4 Dr. J o- Ann MKno 1875-12