The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario is telling its members to resume extracurricular activities.
“We are now confident that the government has demonstrated a commitment to dealing with concrete items of importance to our members,” ETFO president Sam Hammond said in a statement Tuesday night.
“In light of the progress made during these discussions and a commitment that talks to address outstanding issues will continue, ETFO is suspending its advice to members regarding voluntary/extracurricular activities.”
A month ago, ETFO was advising teachers to boycott after-school activities. Teachers have been protesting since last fall, when the Liberal government under Dalton McGuinty imposed contracts on them.
After the Liberals elected a new leader, unions said they hoped a meaningful dialogue could begin.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne welcomed Tuesday night’s news.
“I hope that elementary school students, teachers and support staff across the province will once again enjoy the activities and programs that mean so much to them,” she said in a statement.
“Today's news is a great indication of the hard work all parties are putting into the repair of this valued relationship. It shows our willingness to work together, to listen to one another's concerns, and to find common ground on which we can rebuild a foundation of trust and create an effective process going forward.”
Wynne, however, noted that “this issue needs to be addressed within Ontario's existing fiscal framework.”
