Two unions that represent educational support staff in English public elementary and high schools say they have reached tentative deals with the province.
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation represents workers such as psychologists, custodians, tradespeople and office workers in high schools, while the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario bargains on behalf of select early childhood educators and other professional staff in grade schools.
The OSSTF says it has been bargaining with the province and school boards for about 14 months, while ETFO says its negotiations have lasted almost 15 months.
OSSTF president Paul Elliott says support workers had wanted improved terms on job security and working conditions during this round of negotiations.
In a news release, ETFO president Sam Hammond says the support staff his union represents “play a fundamental role in ensuring quality services and optimal learning conditions for students, especially those in Kindergarten and those with special needs.”
The tentative deals still must be presented to union members for a ratification vote.
