Weekly strikes by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) went ahead as planned today and will also continue tomorrow on a provincewide level.
As last Friday's ETFO-imposed deadline for a deal with the province came and went, the teachers' union announced its rotating strike days for this week would be Wednesday and Thursday for all boards they represent, including the Simcoe County District School Board.
So that has parents and kids out looking for something to do to fill their empty days, some of whom hit the Circle at the Centre ice rink at Barrie City Hall to pass the time.
Tammy Groot and her six-and-a-half-year-old daughter were on the ice this morning to keep active. Groot, who is a fitness and nutrition coach, says she has flexible hours that allowed her to plan ahead for the strike days.
“We knew today was a strike day and it is important for us to continue to stay active,” Groot said. “I am self-employed, so I’m able to work around these events.”
Groot said her daughter may not be fully aware of what's happening, but as a mom, Groot says she supports what's best for the students.
“To her, it’s just another day with mom, so she is excited,” Groot said. “I am in full support of whatever is going to be best for the kids. I don’t really think it has anything to do with money, but if even if it has a little to do with it, I don’t think that is unreasonable.”
ETFO announced yesterday another round of strike days for next week. Unless a tentative agreement is reached, Simcoe County students will have two more days off, as Tuesday, Feb. 11 will see all 83,000 members strike, and Thursday, Feb. 13 will be a rotating day with the Simcoe County District School Board joining 13 other boards on the picket lines.
The two days of strike action next week also affects Grade 7 and 8 students at Elmvale District High School and Stayner Collegiate Institute, because there would not be sufficient supervision to ensure student safety.
Transportation for all elementary school students will be cancelled on Feb. 11 and 13.
Before- and after-school programs in Simcoe County District School Board buildings will also be cancelled.
Jennie Chapman brought her three kids — between the ages of one and five years old — out to the city hall rink with friends and family to enjoy the fresh air today. Two of her children are in kindergarten and are home from school because of the strike.
Chapman told BarrieToday the digging in by the teachers is aimed to help her children, so she stands fully behind them.
“We walked by the teachers at our school and gave them our support,” Chapman said. “Everything they’re fighting for directly affects my family. The special education, the kindergarten and class size are all things we deal with. I hope it’s over soon, but we do understand."
The Simcoe County District School Board branch of ETFO represents permanent elementary teachers, occasional elementary teachers and designated early childhood educators.
