Labour Update for Families

To all Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Families,

We would like to update families on the latest developments concerning labour negotiations and sanctions for employee groups at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB).

First, it is important to note that our schools remain open and learning continues. This is an unusual time in Ontario education, as school and board administrators work closely with staff to maintain a positive environment in our schools.

As always, student safety and learning remain the top priorities at HWDSB. Board staff are in close contact with schools to assess and address any concerns. We extend our thanks and appreciation to our principals and vice-principals for the extra work they have done to maintain school activities at this challenging time.

Due to sanctions, all elementary cross-country meets have been postponed and elementary extra-curricular activities will not occur on Wednesdays. We will continue to focus on providing effective instruction, our core mission.

Members of OSSTF Office, Clerical and Technical Unit (OCTU)
At HWDSB, our OCTU employees include school office staff.

As of October 5, OCTU job sanctions mean that these staff will not buzz to open the doors at our schools with Safe Welcome entry systems; they will not assist with the maintenance of school websites or newsletters; and they will not photocopy or distribute Board documents.

It make take longer to be granted entry to schools.

These staff, however, will continue to answer phones and support the health and safety of students.

Members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), at all schools and facilities
As you may be aware, CUPE began Phase 2 of labour sanctions across the province on September 29, 2015. In HWDSB, CUPE represents school custodial staff – but not educational assistants, early childhood educators or school support staff as at some other Ontario school boards.

Under Phase 2 sanctions, CUPE staff will not sweep hallways or entrances, clean chalkboards or whiteboards or participate in school composting programs. As a result, you may see some impact on the physical condition of schools.

Staff will continue to clean classrooms and washrooms, will empty garbage cans and will comply with all Health and Safety procedures. We will continue to provide information to parents about actions that change the regular operation of our schools, using information channels detailed below.

Members of Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)
On September 21, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) started Phase 3 of its work-to-rule campaign. As we shared earlier, the new actions include not updating classroom websites, distributing class newsletters or preparing report card comments. Also, teachers will not complete Individual Education Plans (IEPs) by the 30^th instructional day but will complete them at their own pace. Please be assured that students have and will continue to receive appropriate program accommodations.

We are encouraged that ETFO and the school board association representing the province have agreed to resume negotiations. However, ETFO had stated that rotating one-day strikes are POSSIBLE at some school boards in October if negotiations do not progress. If this event occurs in HWDSB, we will share information for families using the channels noted below.

Members of Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF)
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) has ratified its agreement with the provincial government. HWDSB and OSSTF are now working towards a local agreement. We will continue to provide you with accurate and timely information as we are able.

Stay Updated
HWDSB will post information and updates on its Labour Update website. We will also tweet significant developments for our Twitter followers @HWDSB.

In addition, we strongly suggest that all families subscribe to receive email updates from HWDSB and from their school. Email subscribers receive updates whenever news is posted on these sites. Please subscribe here.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Todd White
Chair of the Board

Manny Figueiredo
Director of Education