Rainbow District high school teachers on strike today

High school teachers with the Rainbow District School Board are on strike today, said the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation.

“The employer’s refusal to engage in real negotiations today has made it clear that job action is inevitable,” the union said in a Saturday press release. “With this in mind, and out of respect for our members, parents, and students, the union is announcing Monday’s strike action now so preparations for the closure of schools can be made.”

James Clyke, the president of District 3, said in a press release the teachers would prefer to be in class with their students than on the picket lines.

“But this employer’s unwillingness to negotiate in any meaningful way has really left us no option,” he said in a press release. “It is clear that this board has completely allied itself with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) plan to frustrate bargaining at local tables. It leaves us questioning whose interests they’re really serving with this approach.”

As a result of this decision by the teachers’ union, Rainbow District School Board said it has been forced to cancel all instructional programs for students in grades 9 to 12.

“The Board came to the table ready to negotiate and responded to all union proposals," said Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar in a news release. "The union chose not to respond and advised the board, through the mediator, that the parties were at an impasse, they did not see any possibility of progress or a settlement, and that there would be a strike as of Monday, April 27, 2015. In fact, the union suggested the time would be better spent preparing for the strike.”

Dewar said she was extremely disappointed that OSSTF — District 3 has chosen to withdraw their services locally.

“We believe progress was possible and that our time would be better spent negotiating. The union, however, did not come back to the table to respond. They also advised that they would be cancelling the next day of bargaining, effectively shutting the door on any opportunity to move forward.

"Our students and their families are caught in a dispute that is really between OSSTF and the province. We value our secondary teachers in the classroom and, in the best interest of students, we encourage OSSTF – District 3 to join us in resuming local negotiations as quickly as possible.”

Students and parents/guardians are advised that, as of Monday, April 27 all Rainbow secondary schools will be closed to students, including Barrydowne College and the Adult Day School.

Buses for secondary students will not operate.

Buses will continue their routes for elementary students only.
Dual credits will continue at Cambrian College.

Programs for grade 7 and 8 students at Chelmsford Valley District Composite School will continue at Chelmsford Public School.

Programs for grade 7 and 8 students at Lively District Secondary School will continue at Walden Public School.

Community use of schools, in the evenings and on weekends, will proceed as scheduled.

Students and parents/guardians are reminded to visit the Board website for updates.