OSSTF/FEESO is accepting member applications in both French and English to become a presenter for the following Educational Services Workshops:
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.
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.
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.
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
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.
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Contact: Caitlin Reid
Media and Communications Advisor
Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation
416-576-8346
Carla Pereira
Media Relations
Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
416-962-3836
Egale is Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. Egale improves and saves lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world. Their work helps create societies and systems that reflect the universal truth that all persons are equal, and none will be othered.
Egale will facilitate a free virtual workshop for OSSTF/FEESO Members. The workshop will be a fusion of their Introduction to 2SLGBTQI Inclusion: Building Inclusive Schools and Affirming Adults webinars.
OSSTF/FEESO is seeking members to fill vacancies on provincial committees and councils for the 2023-2024 federation year.
Vacancies on Provincial Committees and Councils 2023-2024 – OSSTF/FEESO Update (osstfupdate.ca)
Applications to fill a co-option and a term appointment for the Parliamentary and Constitution Council are currently being sought to fill vacancies for the current year (2023-2024). Applications can be completed by downloading the Application Form, the Confidential Recommendation Form, and the Voluntary Self-ID form. Documents must be saved and sent to pcapplications-temp2022@osstf.ca by October 16, 2023, for your application to be considered for the co-option and no later than November 3, 2023 for term consideration.
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