Ontario education unions set strike votes Nov. 4 to 18 over funding dispute

Five unions representing teachers and education support workers at all four Ottawa publicly funded school boards are holding strike votes between Nov. 4 and Nov. 18. Their contracts expired at the end of August.

A strike authorization requires a vote of members, and passing it does not start a walkout. Only after that, and after notice is given, can a strike begin.

The votes are staggered by union. CUPE-OSBCU, which represents education assistants, administrative assistants and social workers, votes online Nov. 4 to 18. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) votes Nov. 6 to 16, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Nov. 9 to 18, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) Nov. 12 and 13, and the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO) also holds a vote.

The unions say underfunding since the Ford government was first elected has left schools understaffed, with larger classes and less support for students. OSSTF president Martha Hradowy said she expects high turnout and a strong result, because members are frustrated with working conditions and what she called a lack of respect from Queen's Park.

The central bargaining table is also tied