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Despite the Elementary Teachers Fed- eration of Ontario’s decision to continue with work-tha job action that discom- ages teachers from participating in extracur- ricular activities. many teachers continue to ‘ mumm’ (has: on the Elementary Teachers Fa Omano's work-to-rult mom: Some York Region teachers plan In fight their union to reinstate extracurricular activities for students. George “mamas. a Grade 314 teacher "at Ashton Meadows Public School in Markham. coaches junior basketball. works with the school's envimnmental club and organizes the science fair. "This fight should be had in 0mm. not in the Mr. Thomas objects to union statements claiming teachers made the decision to withdraw voluntary activities. as he was never given the chance to have his say when the lab actmn was Implemented or when n was continued. “This fight should be had in coon. not in the yard. where it is D Whatdoyou ' negativeiy impacting stu- mhhdm ' dents that have nothitag . - to do with'it.' he sai . mm deo’ “To be blunt. I am View however effective. is W frowned upon as dish- com onourabie and CM. he said. add’mg removing extracurricular activities shouid be viewed in much the same light. m 5"“ embarrassed by the m to their actions taken by [:TFO." mgfm in combat. the bomb- fim M at ing of civilian targets. “Teachers are getting stomped on by the public. but not all of us agree with the actions taken and many of us carry on with activities." he said, pointing out most extracurriculars have resumed at his school. including sports. chess club. band. field trips. staff meetings and imramurals. Staff and studom morale have increased as a result. he said. Not only does a lack of cxtracurriculars president I lessen the educalmnal experience for stu‘ press time. “ts-WWW mammm immunoanqu TEACHERS DEFY WORK-TO-RU LE BY TERESA LATCHFORD t1dh'hford@wmg (um dents. it also means no fundraising events are held for initiatives such as graduation. technology in the classroom and the ans. Hopefiilly. his decision to speak out and resume volunteer activities will inspire more teachers to do the same. he There is a feeling in me union vocal dis- sension will be severely punished. he said. "I havebeenwamedbymanytokeepmy mouth shut and go'along with thinga' Mr. Thomas isn’t the first to speak out. as Richmond Hill teacher Susan Beanie has informed the union it can't tell her not to volunteer. She will run her choir. plan field trips and attend meetings outside the instructional day if she chooses. she said. . She. too. said her voice is am being heard before decisions are being made.“ "The (ETFO) claims teachers want their voices heard but. sadly. the only voices that are welcomed in our organization are the ones that concur with the Icadership.” she in an open letter to the union. Unless the union is participating in a legal strike. teachers have the ability to choose. She served as a union steward for nearly five years before stepping down because she felt individuals who have opposing views from the union's are not welcome. I} "l've had enough. You cannot compel me or any other member to withdraw from voluntary activities.” a Requests for comments from [51140 presi- dent Sam Hammond and York Region [:TFO president David (Zlegg were unanswered by ‘Tuchmnmmmpdon bythopuhlc,htnlhlflmnm mmmmmmuu on the Hanmmr)’ dewrs Fidemtion of Ontario’s work-w-rult mmmtndanon Teacher Georg: Thoma runs basketball and other extracurricular activities at his school "’ dcqfitc union directions to withdraw volunteer work. SYAFF HOOTOISYEV! WMEW‘tLE “I Cam 0mm Optnrm {M cmmowd Em