When ETFO bargains, it is a collective activ-
ity that affects and involves us all. Every ETFO 
member plays a part in the success of negotia-
tions. Navigating a path for bargaining under the 
new two-tiered collective bargaining legislation 
has been an unprecedented process requiring 
time, patience and commitment to our bargain-
ing goals. More than anything, this round has 
drawn its strength from the commitment of ETFO 
members.

Pronouncements from the Liberal government 
about conducting “net zero bargaining” during 
this round of negotiations signalled that the 
road to a fairly negotiated settlement would not 
be smooth. ETFO members have become well-

versed in the real intent behind euphemisms like 
“net zero bargaining,” “austerity budgets” and 
even “taking a pause,” which is to restrict con-
structive dialogue during negotiations and fetter 
the bargaining process. In a country like Canada, 
where free and fair collective bargaining is a fun-
damental right, concepts like “net zero bargain-
ing” have no place at the negotiations table.

The vote result from the online central strike vote 
in November 2014 – 95% in favour of taking strike 
action if necessary – provided ETFO with a clear 
mandate as we entered negotiations at the central 
tables. That mandate has been tested with teacher 
and occasional teacher (OT) central bargaining as 
ETFO commenced strike action this spring.

STANDING UP TO PROTECT OUR 

PROFESSIONALISM

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO

REPORT TO THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING

Advancing and Protecting Our Union, Our Values and Our Profession

4

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Photo: Anne de Haas