FROM THE EDITOR


With contracts expiring at the end of August, this issue of Voice focuses on collective bargaining. It includes features that reflect on the education consultations ETFO has participated in over the past year since the Ford government was elected, unpack what happens at the local and provincial bargaining tables and consider how to speak up for collective bargaining on social media. It also in- cludes an interview with three local leaders. Bargaining to build better schools for our stu-


dents and create better working conditions for our members is at the centre of what we do as an orga-


nization. While we participated in more consultations this year than ever before in ETFO’s history, it is clear – as Federico Carvajal writes in his column – that the government is not listening. As President Hammond writes in his column, the Ford government has amply demonstrated what they are about, but ETFO is prepared for any challenges this govern- ment may put in the way of collective bargaining. Organizing with parents and mobilizing ETFO members is a significant way that we


push back against the Ford Government’s regressive policies. In Parents Standing with Teachers, Organizing to Build Strong Alliances and Deep Connections,Nigel Barriffe, Yolanda B’Dacy and Helen Victoros stress the importance of community connections and the power of collective bargaining to push for a common good. In Planning a Rally at Your Local MPP’s Office,Michaela Kargus and Carolyn Proulx-Wootton offer practical tips for organizing in your community and bringing the issues to the attention of your MPP. In Class Size Matters: Why I’m Fighting Any Increases,Kimberly Veneziale reflects on how


teaching a class of 32 students affects the experience and quality of their education. “There were days when I didn’t even get to have a conversation with some of my students,” she writes. “The foundation of good teaching has always been relationships. How will my stu- dents feel valued if I don’t even get to talk to them, individually, as people and not simply as a member of a giant unit.” These features, along with a round-up of ETFO’s August Annual Meeting, reviews and our crossword, are sure to get your school year off to a great start!


ETFO Executive Members


PRESIDENT Sam Hammond, Hamilton-Wentworth


FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT Karen Campbell, Elementary Teachers of Toronto


VICE-PRESIDENTS David Mastin, Durham Monica Rusnak, Ontario North East


OTF TABLE OFFICER Nathan Core, Waterloo Region


EXECUTIVE MEMBERS Adelina Cecchin, Greater Essex County Amy Chevis, Simcoe County Mary Fowler, Durham Joy Lachica, Elementary Teachers of Toronto Felicia Samuel, Elementary Teachers of Toronto Sabrina Sawyer, Grand Erie Mario Spagnuolo, Greater Essex County Sylvia Van Campen, Upper Canada Greg Weiler, Waterloo Region Sharon O’Halloran, General Secretary Jerry DeQuetteville, Deputy General Secretary Bobbi Taillefer, Deputy General Secretary


ETFO Voice Izida Zorde - Editor Sharon O’Halloran - Business Manager Jennifer Althouse - Advertising Sales David Beyer - Design


Contributors not otherwise credited: Sharon O’Halloran, Mary Morison, Valerie Dugale


Member of the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) and Canadian Education Press Association


Indexed in the Canadian Educational Index / Répertoire canadien sur l’éducation


ISSN: 1481-4072


Articles contained herein reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily express official policy of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario.


Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply ETFO endorsement of the product or service. Advertising contracts are subject to cancellation if members complain.


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