Calandra's Optimism Masks Stalled Teacher Talks

Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra maintains he is “very optimistic” regarding contract negotiations with teaching unions, stating he expects the school year to start and end without disruption. Speaking to reporters, Calandra asserted that turbulence in the talks was not a concern and that he remains committed to a negotiated settlement. However, reporting from CBC Toronto and Global News Toronto reveals a significant stall in bargaining.

Negotiations have hit a deadlock over the “central-local split” of issues. David Mastin, president of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO), told CBC Toronto that the province is attempting to move most topics to the central table, leaving “very, very little” for local bargaining. Martha Hradowy, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, noted that the government is attempting to move language regarding layoffs, transfers, and recalls away from local tables. Progress has effectively stalled as the matter was referred to the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

While Calandra claims there is “no reason why” a settlement cannot be reached, he acknowledged to Global News Toronto that he plans to run commercials on the bargaining process if issues escalate. This comes as existing contracts expire at the end of August. Mastin described the government's approach as an attempt to remove the ability of local school boards to make decisions in the best interest of their communities.