Strikes close Ontario schools for two days: Conflict escalates between education workers and the provincial government

By Mike Renzella

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—On December 4 and again on December 11, 2019 teachers across the Grand Erie District School Board (GEDSB) and the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) took part in a walkout as strike actions continue to escalate across the province.

“We’re in a difficult position as teachers. We don’t want to do anything that will disrupt education for our students, but we’ve attempted to negotiate with a government that has no interest in listening,” said Evan Kenney, a teacher at Cayuga Secondary School.

During both strikes, all elementary and secondary schools in the BHNCDSB system were closed to students, while GEDSB elected to keep elementary schools open and close down high schools.

“The initial job action, which is ongoing, is a selective withdrawal of administrative services, and information pickets, which have no impact on the classroom,” said Bruce Hazlewood, Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) TBU President for District 23, ahead of the first strike. “In response to the government’s seeming lack of interest in moving towards a settlement, OSSTF has chosen to engage members in a one-day full withdrawal of services.”