Two Ontario teachers’ unions say they have settled unfair labour practice complaints against the government, with the province agreeing not to mandate an early-reading screening tool for the upcoming school year.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association accused the government two weeks ago of failing to bargain in good faith by issuing the new requirement since it is a topic of discussion in negotiations.
A new policy announced by Education Minister Stephen Lecce would have required teachers to use an early-reading screening tool in senior kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2.
The four major teachers’ unions in the province have been in bargaining for a new contract with the government for more than a year and three say they are planning strike votes this fall.
