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Seven OSSTF/FEESO Teacher Bargaining Units across the province have courageously taken the lead on calling their local school boards to account. While all Districts have reported less than ideal bargaining conditions, these seven units have been particularly affected and have consequently moved forward in their strike positions. We thought we'd let our members hear directly from the presidents of these Teacher Bargaining Units about how they have come to the point of labour disruption and why.
District 3, Rainbow
TBU/OTBU President: James Clyke
"We were eager to begin bargaining and gave the Rainbow District Board eight possible dates when we could meet and they came back with one half day for the Occasional Teaching Bargaining Unit and one half day for the Teacher Bargaining Unit. Subsequently, we gave them seven more possible dates to which they responded to agreeing with only three. Our biggest concern is trying to get them to the table. For the past two years all I heard from them was that Bill 115 kept them away from the table, and nowwe give them dates and they drag their feet. It's kind of ironic."
District 13, Durham
TBU President: Dave Barrowclough
"District 13 is prepared to strike. The Durham District School Board has demonstrated little urgency in bargaining. The DDSB needs to amend its passive-aggressive approach if we are ever going to achieve meaningful progress on the local issues of most importance to our OTBU and TBU members."
District 19, Peel
TBU President: Mike Bettiol
"Our local collective agreement expired in August 2014 so our members have been without...