SUDBURY -- After a breakdown of talks between the province and one of the unions representing education workers, Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF), members in northern Ontario join the province-wide one-day strike on Wednesday.
Many schools across the region are closed as public high school teachers and elementary education support workers walk off the job to protest the lack of progress in negotiating a new contract with the Ministry of Education.
Ontario's Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the strike is unnecessary and is urging the union to accept his offer of private mediation.
"How can you in good faith, how can you in good conscience, decide to keep kids out of class for a day, or any period of time, knowing that there are viable options and critical mechanisms that actually could help us get deals?" asked Lecce.
OSSTF representatives say they were forced to take drastic action after failing to reach a deal with the province.
The two sides remain deadlocked on several key issues, including: wages and plans to increase class sizes.
OSSTF is asking for an increase that keeps up with the rate inflation.
The province wants to raise the class size average from 22 to 25.
Greater Sudbury
CTV News Northern Ontario's Molly Frommer will have the latest from Sudbury picket lines, including an interview with Eric Laberge, the local union president.
Sault Ste. Marie
Around 100 teachers and support workers gather outside Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School on North Street to protest the provincial government's cuts to education. Some members are walking along Second Line East.
Union members in Sault Ste. Marie say their main concerns are class sizes, cuts to specialized programming for students, and implementing safe measures for education support workers.
Terri Lyn Della Penta is the OSSTF president for Algoma District Two.
"We’re going to fight against the cuts that they want. We’re going to ensure an equal education for all students, which includes student specialized programming, so that students don’t fall through the cracks. Here fighting for our kids and fighting for fair, equitable working conditions for all employees," said Della Penta.
Picketers will be out until 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Timmins
A group from three neighbouring high schools gathered across the street from Timmins High and Vocational School on Theriault Boulevard. Many are frustrated that the education minister is not making more of an effort to come to a deal.
Stephanie Hills is the president of the OSSTF District 1 Ontario North East for the Professional Student Services Personnel.
"We’re feeling a little bit frustrated that Lecce keeps walking out and not really bargaining a whole lot. We’re not thrilled that it has come to this point that we are having to strike because we are for the students and families. Of course, we did not want to inconvenience anybody today by not being able to send their kids to school, but we feel that it was necessary in order to fight for what our students do need," said Hills.
CTV News Northern Ontario's Sergio Arangio will have reaction from parents and students on the strike.
