Provincial Discussion Table Vote

If you have not already done so, please take the opportunity to read the October 28, 2008 letter from our provincial President Ken Coran. In his letter he outlines why the Provincial Executive has determined that "the conditions are now most favourable for developing a teacher/occasional teacher provincial discussion framework" and that the time is right for OSSTF to return to the Provincial Discussion Table (PDT).

On behalf of your local negotiating team, I would like to add our endorsement to that of the Provincial Executive. While we have met many times with the Board and we have made progress in a number of areas, the uncertainty of provincial funding as well as other provincial framework items connected to a PDT has prevented us from moving forward in a number of key areas.

Your negotiating team fully understands that even if a provincial framework is achieved, there will still be a great deal of work to be done at our local table in order to satisfy our local priorities. Nevertheless, it is the opinion of your negotiating team that for the process to move forward, we encourage you to vote in favour of a return to the PDT.

The vote will take place in your school during the PA Day on Monday, November 10. Your Branch President will communicate the polling details to you prior to this date.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please feel free to give me a call at the District Office.

Stephen Bloom
Chief Negotiator, District 16 OSSTF