Premier Wynne says she will give school boards permission to dock teachers pay if there is no settlement or end to job action by the end of the month. Speaking to the media and accompanied by the education minister the Premier said she has been asked by the boards across Ontario for this permission but that she has not yet given it. She said she will however grant this power if the teachers do not resume normal work. It is within the power of an employer under the labour act when a contract expires to withhold salaries if work remains undone by employees.
NOT ASKED ABOUT ISSUES
The Premier took many questions but was not asked about the issues which keep the sides from agreeing to a settlement. In the past, the education minister has said she does not know why the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario cannot agree to terms. The protocol of negotiations traditionally requires parties to refrain from talking about issues. Nonetheless, immense public interest in and ownership of the schools might require an explanation of what has become a standoff. But, no questions were asked. What the heck is really going on? CP24 Video
