Public elementary school teachers are striking in Hamilton and parts of northern Ontario on Monday, as parents in the GTA prepare for a one-day walkout that will close hundreds of schools.
During Monday and Tuesday’s walkouts, the teachers’ union is asking its members to wear black arm bands and hold a moment of silence on the picket line as a tribute to the victims of last Friday’s school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
Strikes are being held in Hamilton-Wentworth, Rainbow, Rainy River and James Bay on Monday, a day before teachers hold their largest day of protest with walkouts in eight school boards, including much of the GTA, in protest of Bill 115.
On Tuesday, teachers will be walking picket lines in Toronto, Durham and Peel, in addition to Grand Erie, Greater Essex County, Lambton-Kent, Near North and Waterloo Region.
In the GTA, hundreds of public elementary schools will be closed during the strikes in Toronto, Durham and Peel, meaning parents are making child-care arrangements for more than 300,000 students as tens of thousands of teachers trade the classroom for the picket line.
For those who aren’t taking a day off of work to stay home with their kids, that means finding a day care spot or a day camp, hiring a babysitter, leaving children with relatives, or other arrangements to keep their kids busy.
Parents who rely on school-run daycares are asked to check with the facilities to find out if they will be open during the strikes.
In Canada's largest school district, the TDSB, nearly 173,500 elementary and junior high school students will be affected by a walkout by teachers from 474 schools.
In Peel Region, Tuesday’s strike involves teachers from 202 elementary schools, affecting more than 109,000 students.
Durham District School Board has more than 46,000 students in its 108 elementary schools.
Meanwhile, teachers in Halton, Algoma and Bluewater school boards are scheduled to strike Wednesday. On Thursday, walkouts will take place in Thames Valley, Superior-Greenstone and Limestone districts.
Premier Dalton McGuinty and Education Minister Laurel Broten said the province will not block one-day strikes, but warn they will intervene if the walkouts go beyond one day.
This is the second week of rotating one-day strikes by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario.
The union is holding the walkouts because of its labour dispute with the province over Bill 115, which imposes a two-year wage freeze and limits collective bargaining rights for teachers and support staff, and gives the provincial government the power to end strikes.
Teachers’ unions are challenging the legislation in court, arguing it is unconstitutional.
The unions have until Dec. 31 to reach collective agreements with local school boards before a new contract is forced upon them.
In their work-to-rule action, elementary and high school teachers have withdrawn from extra-curricular activities and administrative duties.
High school teachers, represented by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, have not gone on strike.
Options around the city
Looking for something to keep your kids busy on Tuesday? Here are just a few of the many free options available around town.
Outdoor skating
The city’s outdoor rinks are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For a full list of locations, click here.
Recreation Centres
A wide-range of activities and programs are offered at community centres around the city. Click here for information on some of the options being offered.
Sports superstar for a day
For the young ones who have always dreamed about playing professional sports, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment has a few options available.
Toronto Maple Leafs learn to skate clinic
Suitable for first-time and beginner skaters, kids will work on the basics of skating. Skates and protective equipment will be provided.
Ages 7 - 13
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Ages 7 - 13
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Ages 7 - 13
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Toronto Marlies hockey skills
Puck control, agility and accuracy will all be address. Participants must provide their own equipment.
Ages 7 - 8
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Ages 9 - 10
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Ages 11 - 12
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Both clinics take place at the MasterCard Centre for Hockey Excellence. For more information click here.
Toronto Raptors learn to dribble clinic
Basic basketball fundamentals will be taught in a non-competitive environment.
Ages 7 - 8
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Ages 9 - 10
10:30 a.m. - 11: 30 a.m.
Ages 11 - 12
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
The clinic will be held at the Air Canada Centre’s PEAK practice court.
Toronto FC soccer clinic
Soccer balls will be provided for kids to work on their beautiful game skills.
Ages 7 - 8
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Ages 9 - 10
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The clinic will be held at KIA Training Ground at Downsview Park.
@ChrisKitching is on Twitter. Don't forget, for instant breaking news, follow @CP24 on Twitter.
