Pasma calls for early bargaining to support Ontario students

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Education, Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West–Nepean), is echoing the Ontario Education Unions call for the Ford government to begin bargaining with teachers and education workers as soon as possible to ensure stability for students:

“Education workers and teachers across Ontario have made it clear that early talks are the best way to support student success and address the real challenges facing our schools, and Doug Ford should listen to them. Families need stability and our kids need support and resources. When you start bargaining early, it gives everyone the time to truly work together and reach a fair deal without chaos for our kids’ education.

“It’s important to note that during the last two rounds of bargaining, this government created conflict instead of stability, including an attempt to override the constitutional rights of education workers. Families should not have to go through that again.

“If the government gives the green light for early negotiations, it allows both sides to bargain in good faith and focus on what matters most: student outcomes, safe classrooms, and a strong public education system.

“We hope this government will choose negotiation over confrontation this time and come to the table ready to work constructively with the people who know our schools best.”