Ontario public education has benefited from having unions representing teachers and other education workers for more than one hundred years.
ETFO and other unions have worked to negotiate compensation and working conditions that attract and retain highly qualified, committed professionals to the school sector. Through our programs and training, ETFO members engage in professional learning that improves their capacity to be effective educators and keeps them current with new teaching strategies.
By advocating for safe and healthy workplaces, education unions ensure students are learning in safe and healthy classrooms. ETFO, through its health and safety representatives, identifies potential hazards such as poor air quality, unsafe equipment, and the potential threat of asbestos. Through their unions, classroom educators advocate for measures to address workplace violence that threatens the safety and well-being of the entire school community.
Educators and unions do not just fight for themselves. They are fighting for our schools, and your kids.
By promoting policies such as smaller classes, curriculum reforms, and more meaningful student assessment policies, unions not only promote improved working conditions for their members—they also address issues that affect student learning and success.
Education unions are committed to addressing broader social issues that affect their students’ ability to be successful learners and to become active and engaged citizens. With the support of their union’s training and classroom resources, ETFO members work in their classrooms, their schools, and their communities to fight against poverty, inequality, and discrimination.
It is important that the provincial government continue to recognize education unions as important partners in the discussion and implementation of education policies. It is equally important that the government not introduce initiatives that weaken the ability of education unions to represent their members and be strong advocates for public education.
Reduce class sizes in grades 4 to 8 and Kindergarten to enhance activity-based learning, positive social interaction among students, and individual attention from teachers.
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Implement a province-wide strategy to address violence in schools. Review the current education funding formula to ensure it meets the diverse needs of students. Address the school repair and maintenance backlog.
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Expand opportunities for all students to reach their learning and development potential by providing greater support for students with special needs and for students who are English Language Learners.
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Cancel EQAO testing and focus instead on teachers' classroom assessments of students.
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Ensure access to teacher-librarians and specialist teachers in the Arts, Health and Physical Education, and guidance to provide an enriched and engaging program for all elementary students.
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Ontario's economic and cultural diversity is reflected in its public schools. Ontario can build more inclusive classrooms by addressing widening equity gaps and providing the necessary supports for marginalized communities.
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Maintain the ability of unionized teachers and other education workers to speak out on behalf of safe and healthy schools and policies that contribute to student engagement, academic success and personal growth.
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Establish one publicly funded education system in Ontario for each of Canada’s official languages.
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