The Ontario University and Colleges Coalition (OUCC), which represents over 435,000 faculty, staff, and students from every public postsecondary institution in Ontario, has been ringing the alarm on the post-secondary education sector’s underfunding crisis, which has been in the making for over a decade through consecutive austerity budgets, privatization, and burdening students and their families with financing the sector. The issue of underfunding is well documented by labour unions and associations in the sector, confirmed by multiple reports from the Auditor General of Ontario, and also echoed by the government’s own Blue-Ribbon panel.
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/OUCC-logo.jpg302827Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2024-03-06 13:19:042024-03-07 07:32:34Government-announced PSE funding is inadequate and falls short of what is needed for a robust, sustainable post-secondary education sector
Applications are now open to all members of OSSTF/FEESO for appointments to provincial standing committees and councils. Any member in good standing is encouraged to apply for one of our many provincial committees and councils for term and co-option positions.
February 1, 2024 – Every February, OSSTF/FEESO celebrates Black History Month, which serves as an important opportunity to reflect on how we as a Federation and as individuals can continue to challenge and dismantle anti-Black racism in schools, workplaces, communities, on campuses, and in our union.
The national theme for Black History Month 2024 is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build,” and celebrates the rich and important history of Black Canadians and their many achievements, while reminding us all that there is much work left to be done to ensure a better and more equitable future for all Canadians.
Black History stretches deep into the Canadian fabric and deserves far more than a single month of recognition. Canadian Black history should be taught and celebrated year-round, not just in February.
From reflection and acknowledgment, we must all move towards action. Rosemary Brown, educator, writer, and B.C. politician was the first Black woman elected to a Canadian Provincial legislature. Brown said that, “We must open the doors, and we must see to it they remain open, so that others can pass through.”
It’s up to all of us to ensure that Black curriculum is taught throughout the year, that anti-Blackness is unlearned in our school spaces, and that we create safer spaces for Black youth, educators, and education workers in our schools and on our campuses.
Throughout the month of February, OSSTF/FEESO will be featuring profiles, events, and resources on our website and social media feeds, starting with a special teaser video today!
OSSTF/FEESO also supports the national labour movement’s campaign, led by the Canadian Labour Congress. This year’s theme is “Black Resistance” and they are calling on supporters to send an action letter to their Member of Parliament to tell the government that we want to see justice for Black workers and their communities.
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bhm-osstf-statement-e1707147813657.png92300Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2024-02-05 10:36:312024-02-05 10:43:43OSSTF/FEESO Statement – Black History Month
In case you missed it the Liberal Federal Government has put into place a cap on the number of international student visas they will allow. They are also going to control what parts of the country visa students are allowed to study in.
For more information go to: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/international-student-visas-1.7092512
Karen Littlewood , president of OSSTF/FEESO has spoken out about this cap and the impact it will have on post-secondary institutions and students. In addition OSSTF/FEESO has put out a statement in response.
The link to President, Karen Littlewood’s radio interview this morning with 900 CHML (Hamilton) on underfunding in the post-secondary sector (starts around 13:50 mark): https://twitter.com/AM900CHML/status/1749822661297930345
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PSAT_UpdateGraphic-e1649104910681.png128300Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2024-01-24 13:03:432024-01-24 13:03:44Federal Government Institutes Cap on International Students
November 15, 2023 Ministry of Colleges and Universities
TORONTO — Today, Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, issued the following statement in response to receipt of the blue-ribbon panel’s report:
“Our government created the blue-ribbon panel of experts to provide advice and recommendations for keeping the postsecondary education sector financially stable and focused on providing the best student experience possible.
Over the past few months, the panel conducted research and consultations with key stakeholders. Their work was guided by the following principles:
enhancing student experience and access;
rewarding excellence and financial sustainability;
improving labour market alignment;
promoting economic growth and prosperity; and
keeping education affordable for lower and middle-income families.
The blue-ribbon panel’s report with their recommendations is now available online. This is a major milestone on the path to supporting the quality, accessibility and sustainability of the postsecondary sector, now and for years to come.
Our government is carefully reviewing the panel’s recommendations to create a path forward that will continue to strengthen the postsecondary sector. It’s my expectation that we will work with postsecondary institutions to create greater efficiencies in operations, program offerings and sustainability of the sector. Before agreeing to any tuition increases however, we need to ensure that colleges and universities are taking the necessary steps to ensure that they are operating as efficiently as possible. I look forward to working with postsecondary institutions in the weeks ahead to determine how best to achieve these shared objectives.
I would like to thank the panel members, and everyone who took the time to share their valuable perspectives with the panel.
I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr. Harrison for acting as the chair of the panel and lending his leadership and extensive knowledge in the finance, governance and operations of postsecondary institutions.
By continuing to work together with our partners, I am confident we will build on the solid foundation of the postsecondary system and protect it for current and future students, so they continue to receive the world-class education Ontario’s institutions provide.”
Media Contacts Liz Tuomi Minister Dunlop’s Office Liz.Tuomi@ontario.ca
Ivo Felipe Communications Branch 416-325-2746
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/blue-ribbon-award-clipping-path-8752325.webp900598Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2023-11-16 09:25:252023-11-16 09:26:47Ontario Receives Report to Support Financial Sustainability of Postsecondary Education System
unlearn.® uses an approach that explores the mechanisms that can interrupt bias, stereotypes and discrimination by challenging the societal norms that marginalize others.
Workshops for all our members as we live in and work in a richly diverse community.
ETFO joins OSSTF/FEESO arbitration process for Bill 124 wage remedy
TORONTO, ON — The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) is proud to announce that 3,500 education workers represented by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) are joining with OSSTF/FEESO in their fight to reclaim wages unjustly lost under the Ford government’s disastrous and unconstitutional Bill 124.
“Today, we celebrate labour solidarity in the face of the Ford government’s continued attacks on our members and all workers who provide the vital public services that Ontarians rely on every single day,” said OSSTF/FEESO President Karen Littlewood. “Our solidarity is our strength, and I am encouraged to have ETFO’s education worker members join us as we stand up to Doug Ford and his government’s heavy-handed attempts to undermine public education in Ontario.”
Added ETFO President Karen Brown, “With the strength and solidarity of our members behind us, ETFO is prepared to work alongside OSSTF/FEESO to challenge Bill 124 during the binding arbitration process. Since its unconstitutional inception, ETFO has denounced Bill 124 and challenged the Ford government’s interference and overreach. We’re confident that by joining OSSTF/FEESO, ETFO members will benefit from a strong, united front that will result in a fair and just remedy.”
In September, OSSTF/FEESO’s Membership voted to approve a proposal guaranteeing that Members will receive a financial remedy for wages lost under Bill 124, which unfairly capped public sector wage increases to one per cent a year, causing severe staffing shortages and unnecessary disruptions to student learning.
Earlier this month, ETFO’s 3,500 education worker members ratified a four-year deal with the provincial government that included a similar agreement to ensure those members submit the Bill 124 wage remedy to binding arbitration.
The decision to bring ETFO members into the voluntary binding interest arbitration process, negotiated between OSSTF/FEESO and the Crown, will mean that the two unions will present a united front during the Bill 124 arbitration dates on January 15 and 16, 2024. Both groups will present evidence and arguments in support of a fair and just remedy for Members who had their wages unconstitutionally suppressed by the Ford government.
“It’s been nearly four years since the Ford government’s ill-fated decision to pass Bill 124, and the consequences of this devastating legislation have been felt by every education worker, student, and parent in Ontario,” concluded OSSTF/FEESO President Karen Littlewood. “Severe staffing shortages caused by Bill 124 have undermined student learning conditions and placed
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significant burdens on staff who work in public education. The ripple effects of this bill extend beyond the classroom, affecting all our public services, our economy, and most importantly students in Ontario. It’s well past time to right this grievous wrong and restore justice to our dedicated members.”
Noted ETFO President Karen Brown, “Earlier this year, instead of ending its attack on workers and moving to remedy, the Ford government doubled down on violating workers’ rights by moving forward with an appeal. This move, done in the midst of negotiations with ETFO and other education unions, undermined collective bargaining and wasted taxpayers’ money. Not another public dollar should be spent on their ill-advised attempt to violate workers’ rights. The premier and education minister must refrain from overreach, support all education workers and public education, and focus on reaching fair agreements in good faith.”
OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has over 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.
ETFO represents approximately 83,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Details about ETFO collective bargaining and bargaining dates are available at etfocb.ca.
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture1-e1699654778699.png125300Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2023-11-10 17:19:502023-11-10 17:20:20ETFO joins OSSTF/FEESO arbitration process for Bill 124 wage remedy
