Ontario teachers unions start bargaining season, pushing for smaller classes
Education workers are demanding reduced class sizes and improved special education funding as contracts expire in August.
Contracts for teachers and education workers across Ontario's public elementary, secondary, Catholic and French schools expire in August, with unions formally serving notice to bargain this week.
Smaller class sizes will be a central demand. The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario is proposing to extend the existing class-size caps in kindergarten through Grade 3 to include Grades 4 through 8, citing the stability and improved learning those caps have provided in lower grades.
High school instructors also say class sizes are too large, a problem that has worsened with destreaming — a policy shift that arrived without adequate government support or resources, according to Martha Hradowy, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation.
Unions are also prioritizing higher wages and improved special education funding. Education Minister Paul Calandra expects tough negotiations but said he anticipates a collaborative relationship with the unions.