HURON COUNTY – All Avon Maitland elementary schools will be closed Monday, Dec. 10, as a result of strike action by the teachers.
The Avon Maitland District School Board is closing its elementary schools after receiving notification that Dec. 10 the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Avon Maitland Local will take strike action in response to provincial Bill 115, Putting Students First Act.
Children who ride school buses will not be picked up.
Regular bus service will resume and schools are expected to re-open Tuesday, Dec. 11. ETFO job sanctions will still be in place at that time, which may result in the cancellation or postponement of other events or activities.
The Board was informed of this action late today. It has been in communication with its third-party day care providers to see whether they can handle the additional load resulting from the walkout. The latest update on childcare in the area is posted in chart form below.
“Our priority remains the safety of our students and we want you to clearly understand the status of our schools during any strike action. We will continue to monitor the situation and its impact on Avon Maitland elementary students. We are committed to keeping you informed and we will continue to send information home as necessary. We will also continue posting updates on the Board`s website at yourschools.ca/job-action-updates, if the situation changes,” wrote the board on its website.
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The provincial government introduced Bill 115, Putting Students First Act, which imposes compensation restraints for school board employees in the education system, whether they are union or contract employees. It instructs school boards and local bargaining units of teachers and support staff to negotiate contracts that reflect a zero wage increase for the next two years and cuts to benefits.
The government says compensation restraints will protect full-day kindergarten, smaller class sizes, and the classroom experience.
