OSSTF D25 TBU

The central strike vote is now OPEN. #OSSTF members in the school board sector can cast their ballots starting today. A strong turnout and a strong YES vote will send a clear message to the government and give our bargaining team the mandate it needs at the table. Voting runs November 6–16.

🚨 ATTN: The #OSSTF central strike vote opens this Friday, November 6. OSSTF/FEESO members in the school board sector: watch for voting information and be ready to cast your ballot. A good turnout and a strong YES vote will give our bargaining team a strong mandate at the table. Voting runs November 6–16.

OSSTF/FEESO members: If you were unable to attend your in-person District Bargaining Information Meeting, join us for a virtual session on Wednesday, November 4. Find out where bargaining stands, what may come next, and what you need to know ahead of the November 6–16 central strike vote. Submit questions and hear directly from your union! 📅 Wednesday, November 4 🕖 7–8 p.m. ET 💬 French translation & ASL interpretation will be provided. 🔗 Register: bit.ly/48o86uS The more informed, engaged, and organized we are, the stronger we are at the bargaining table 💪🏽 #OSSTF #OntEd

Another confusing turn in the Ford government’s takeover of Ontario school boards... First, trustees at supervised public school boards were stripped of their governing powers. Then, the province left it unclear whether newly elected trustees would even be sworn in. When some trustees said they would keep meeting with their communities and speaking publicly anyway, Minister Calandra reversed course: they will now be sworn in, while still being barred from governing. The effect is that trustees remain sidelined, but are once again subject to the code of conduct and integrity oversight. That raises a serious question: is this really about accountability, or about limiting how elected trustees can speak and organize while their boards remain under provincial control? When trustees make mistakes, Calandra takes over. When political allies make mistakes, Calandra promotes them. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Full story in the Toronto Star: bit.ly/4eFDQzb #OSSTF #OntEd #OnPoli

Four communities. One powerful message. From Ottawa, London, Sudbury, and Thunder Bay, education workers, families, students, and labour allies came out today to stand up for strong, properly funded public education. Across Ontario, we’re making our voices heard! #OSSTF #OntEd #OntEdUnited

IMPORTANT CENTRAL STRIKE VOTE UPDATE 🚨 #OSSTF members in the school board sector: Important central strike vote information has just been sent to your inbox. Please check your email for the latest bargaining bulletin.

Parents and communities never asked to give up their say in how their public schools are governed. Now, the Ford government is proposing rules that would leave newly elected trustees at eight supervised school boards waiting to be sworn in until provincial supervision ends. But there is no clear timeline. Communities could cast their ballots, only to have their chosen representatives sidelined while provincial appointees continue making decisions about their schools. Public education belongs to the public. Parents, students and communities deserve accountable local representatives who can raise their concerns, question decisions and act on their behalf. The Ford government must restore local decision-making and respect the voices of the people our schools serve. 🔗 bit.ly/4sjwNlA #OSSTF #OntEd #OnPoli

Talk. Invite. Rally ✊🏽 The October 24 rallies are about the issues students, families, teachers, and education workers are seeing every day: overcrowded and increasingly complex classrooms, staffing shortages, and under-resourced schools. Our new Talking to Friends and Family: Rally Edition infographic makes it easy to start the conversation and invite someone to join you! Read and share the guide: bit.ly/3VAWPEz Then make the ask: Will you join me on October 24? 📍 London · Ottawa · Sudbury · Thunder Bay · Toronto 🕐 1 p.m. ET ✅ Family-friendly. Everyone is welcome. Register for a rally - and for a bus to a rally: bit.ly/Together4Ed #OntEdUnited #OSSTF #OntEd

A new national survey paints a troubling picture of the pressures facing educators, with 70% reporting they regularly feel overwhelmed and a lack of education assistants identified as a major contributor to burnout. As OSSTF/FEESO District 11 President John Bernans told the London Free Press: “The lack of funding has a direct impact on support that students need and resources that teachers rely on every day. Special education students and the professionals who serve them are particularly vulnerable.” Underfunding has consequences, for students and the qualified professionals who support them every day. Full article: bit.ly/4dNuOja #OSSTF #OntEd #OnPoli

Strike votes are coming up November 6–16. What should every #OSSTF member understand before casting their ballot? In the latest episode of Education Forum: The Podcast, Protective Services Associate General Secretary Dave Barrowclough explains: 🗳️ why every vote matters 💪🏽 how a strong mandate gives members more power at the bargaining table 🏫 how it sends a clear message that we are serious about defending publicly funded education 🎧 Check out the full episode: underfunded.ca/podcast/

As the numbers keep ticking by, so do the days without a contract... 32 days later, teachers, education workers, and students are still waiting for meaningful bargaining. #OSSTF #OntEd #DaysWithoutAContract

Today is National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day. Custodians are essential to public education. Every day, they help ensure our schools are safe, clean, healthy and welcoming places for students, staff, and families. From preparing spaces before the school day begins to responding to the unexpected and keeping buildings running smoothly, their work is an important part of creating environments where students can learn and education workers can do their jobs. Much of this work happens behind the scenes but its impact is felt throughout every school community. Their work isn’t extra. It’s essential. #CustodialWorkersRecognitionDay #OntEd #OSSTF