Political Action Committee

May Update

Building solidarity

April 29 was a GREAT provincial day of action for the largest five education unions across Ontario.  Hopefully you were at a worksite with good participation!  Please see the collage of local photos.

In Ottawa, OCETFO, OCEOTA, OECTA Ottawa, and OSSTF D25 are moving to an every Friday #RedForEd.  Please help build solidarity.  Wear red.  Talk to colleagues about the attacks on education and the importance of standing up for our students and communities.  Ask questions about the road ahead.  Share stories about actions we’ve taken in the past.  

If you are interested in buying one of our new red D25 OSSTF shirts see the order form here. Some folks don’t already have red in their closet or specifically want to promote our union.  But feel free to be creative with your own red.  Perhaps have red paper apples easily accessible for colleagues to pin on if they forgot red clothes at home.

There is much more you can do.  For example, the OCDSB has asked for input into its budget process.  Check out the three questions and provide your responses here.  At the last audit meeting, we were told that demanding adequate funding from the provincial government had been the most common response to date.  Feedback on recent announcements by the OCDSB Supervisor and concerns regarding negative effects about other potential cuts to children in your family, community or worksite are appropriate.  DEADLINE:  Friday, May 15

If you'd like more information on building solidarity or political action, please contact Susan.Rab@d25.osstf.ca

April Update

Friday, April 10 is the first (school) Friday of the month, so please wear Red for Ed to support your colleagues and build solidarity so we can protect publicly funded education in Ontario.  

NOTE:  Wednesday, April 29 will be a province-wide day of action for the 5 biggest education unions.  We'll be wearing #RedForEd again and having many conversations about the Ontario budget, staffing cuts, preparation for bargaining, and funding for the OCDSB.  

Provincial OSSTF is sharing important information about bargaining and education funding.  Check with a colleague or two, to see if they've signed up yet.

Sign up today, and receive two Underfunded & Over It stickers.

OTBU members who are interested in political action, should contact Susan.Rab@d25.osstf.ca 

February Update

The legislature resumes on Monday, March 23.  The Ontario Autism Coalition and education allies will be greeting MPPs and Premier Doug Ford to demand better funding for our schools on the lawn of Queen's Park.

Things are gaining momentum in the fight to maintain local voices at school boards. Government appointed supervisors have been hired ($350,000 out of the board's budget) to answer directly to the Minister of Education rather than to local communities. Please keep your eyes and ears open. Chandra Pasma, MPP for Ottawa-West Nepean, hosted a town hall last night.  Tyler Watt, MPP for Nepean, has an event tonight. Trustees are organizing provincially and parents are asking more questions. 

OSSTF District 25 members will join our elementary teacher colleagues in wearing #Red4Ed on the first Friday of each month. We'll build solidarity within our worksites and across the country as we protect and enhance public education. Keep your eyes open for an order for a new red t-shirt.

OTBU members who are interested in political action, should contact Susan.Rab@d25.osstf.ca