Archive
EDITORIAL: Arbitration the only real option
January 10, 2020 · 0 Comments
SO HERE WE ARE, half-way through the 2019-20 school year, and none of the unions representing Ontario teachers has been able to negotiate a contract with the Ford government.
Worse yet, none of the unions is even negotiating with the government, and all we’ve been witnessing is weekly one-day strikes by high school teachers represented by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF), the latst of which included those employed by the Peel District School Board.
In most labour disputes it’s fairly easy to see what the issues are, but not here. Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the real issue is wages, with the teachers wanting more than the already-legislated one per cent annual increase at a time when inflation is running at roughly double that.
Spokesmen for the unions contend that the real issue isn’t wages but moves by the government that will diminish the quality of education, among them larger class sizes and mandatory e-learning, both of which will mean having fewer teachers.
In the circumstances, it’s interesting to see that neither side is seeking the only viable option – submission of the disputes to mediators who would be empowered to arbitrate the disputes if mediated negotiations fail.
Why? While unions always favour having negotiated settlements, governments tend to fear arbitrated settlements will be too costly.
Readers Comments (0)
Headline News
Tickets on sale now for 20th Annual Jim Cuddy Jamboree in support of local hospital
By Paula Brown Juno-award-winning musician Jim Cuddy will be helping raise funds for health care in Dufferin County as he takes the stage in Mulmur ...
Smile Cookie Campaign sets record with $50,000 donation to Headwaters
By Sam Odrowski The recent Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign raised a record amount of money for Headwaters Health Care Foundation (HHCF). In partnership with ...
Dufferin County food banks each receive $10,000 in food donations from Kraft Hockeyville
By Paula Brown North Dufferin residents who rallied to support Honeywood Arena during the 2025 Kraft Hockeyville Competition have done more than help raise funds ...
Dufferin Arts Council launching bursary, scholarship programs to support artists in the region
By Sam Odrowski The Dufferin Arts Council will distribute $15,000 to aspiring and semi-established artists through its annual programs later this year. Submissions for the ...
Council says no gas tax money for Townline pavement
By JAMES MATTHEWS Continuing to lobby for pavement on Mono-Adjala Townline will not influence when the road will get asphalt, according to Mono’s mayor. Mono ...
Lord Dufferin IODE’s 30th Annual Geranium Sale accepting pre-orders
By Sam Odrowski Spring is here! And a local women-led not-for-profit organization is kicking off its yearly geranium sale to help people freshen up their ...
Orangeville and District Animal Centre receive 500 cat cabins amidst kitten season
By Paula Brown, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Ontario SPCA Orangeville and District Animal Centre will soon be able to provide a more comfortable stay ...
Orangeville grandmother requests community’s help finding missing granddaughter
Jillianne, 15, reported missing on April 28, family suspects she’s in Brampton, GTA or Southern Ontario By Sam Odrowski An Orangeville grandmother is encouraging the ...
Headwaters Dental provides free dental care during special clinic day
By Brian Lockhart Headwaters Dental in Orangeville held its annual day of free dentistry at its Orangeville clinic on Monday, May 5. The special day ...
Friends of Jim “Cheesy” Stewart host fundraiser for cancer treatment
By Joshua Drakes Bar on Broadway was abuzz over the weekend as a small army of friends and supporters gathered for a two-day fundraising drive ...