The union representing Ontario's elementary teachers is set to sit down at the bargaining table with the government tomorrow for the first time in over a month.
The government-appointed mediator called the two sides back to the table today.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says he hopes the union comes with realistic proposals that prioritize student success over compensation demands.
The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario says the exploratory talks must include a mandate to remove further cuts and increase supports for students with special needs, among other measures.
If no deal is reached by Friday, ETFO plans to stage a provincewide strike once a week, starting next Thursday, February 6th.
Each board where it has members will be hit by a one-day rotating strike each week as well.
Meanwhile, Ontario's English Catholic teachers also announced today they will hold a provincewide strike next Tuesday, February 4th.
In agreeing to Jan 29 talks, ETFO is optimistic that the govt’s reps will engage in meaningful bargaining around key issues. @etfopresident said “It’s time that the Ford government recognized that our public education system is key to the future." #onpoli https://t.co/BQJXPOYgeD pic.twitter.com/ksXzti0lZn
— Elementary Educators (@ETFOeducators) January 28, 2020