HS Teachers on Strike

By: Nick Liard

The NDP has made it clear they will not support a back to work legislation introduced by the Liberal government yesterday, even if it is passed.

Since the Liberals have a majority government they are able to pass the legislation but it would not take effect until Thursday.

NDP MPP for Nickel Belt, France Gelinas says a collective agreement does not get settled at Queen’s Park.

She says nobody like to be forced back to work, it creates bad will and problems down the road.

Gelinas also said that the government had plenty of time since the last strike in 2012, and left it to the last minute this time around.

The over five thousand high school students in the Rainbow District School Board could be back in class as early as Friday.

Talks between high school teachers and the province broke down on the weekend and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation has applied for conciliation, which could set the stage for a provincial strike.

The second reading of the back to work legislation is set for 3 pm this afternoon.