TORONTO, August 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – After the Ministry of Labor failed to adequately meet its demands for adequate criteria for fitness and protection in publicly funded schools, Ontario’s 4 primary unions of teachers and schools say they have been left without selection yet to register formal appeals with the Ontario Labor Relations Board (OLRB).
The Franco-Ontarian Association of Tevery oneers (AEFO), the Ontario Primary Tevery Oneers Federation (ETFO), the Ontario Association of English Catholic Tevery Oneers (OECTA) and the Ontario High School Tevery Oneers Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) – which, Together, they constitute more than 190,000 school assistants and staff, saying that they will all appeal to the OLRC, arguing that the Ministry of Education’s “Guide to Reopening Ontario Schools” does not take all moderate precautions for staff, as required in Section 25 (2)(h) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Union representatives met with the Ontario Labor Minister and Chief of Prevention on August 24 and raised a number of considerations that the Ministry of Education had not put all moderate precautions in place to return to school. The Ministry of Labor issues orders that require the Ministry of Education to establish criteria for physical distance, cohort, ventilation, and transportation; It was also requested that the Ministry of Labor review these ordinances once a month, in case the clinical advances impose higher criteria, and that the school forums have more time if it is mandatory to put into effect the appropriate measures of aptitude and quality.
As of 28 August, when it announced that it would respond, the Ministry of Labour had responded to these requests.
The unions argue that the government’s statement that it is based on “levels of prevention” does not adhere to widely accepted criteria and practices for occupational safety and fitness, founded on the hierarchy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of section 24. At the August meeting, Ministry of Labor officials continually referred to the non-public protection apparatus (PPE) for teachers and school personnel as a key component of the government’s strategy. However, NIOSH states that PPE is only one of many and the least effective measures for a workplace hazard. Other measures, such as adaptations of the physical area, the addition of progressive ventilation, or adjustments to policies and procedures, are more likely to decrease the worker’s exposure to the hazard.
Trade unions strongly oppose the Prime Minister’s and the Minister of Education’s assertions that, in raising considerations about the government’s school reopening plan, teachers and school staff are not fulfilling their component so that Ontarions can cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The government seeks to deflect blame for its insufficient school reopening plan by creating a department among Ontario residents.But union leaders have a duty to protect our fellow teachers and educators, and we know that of many parents, students, and fitness experts.and others,” said AEFO President Rémi Sabourin.
“Schools and study rooms are exclusive workplaces, with more than 30 people sharing small spaces,” says Sam Hammond, president of ETFO.”Smaller study rooms would help make schools safer.Shouldn’t teachers and school staff be waiting in at least the same criteria and precautionary measures as in stores, offices, and other spaces in the province?
“The accusation that teachers and school staff are unwilling to interfere and return to school is absurd and insulting,” says Harvey Bischof, president of OSSTF/FEESO.”No employee in the province of Ontario is expected to sacrifice their physical condition and safety, especially when there are such obvious steps that the government can simply take to lessen the threat and prevent long-term tragedies.
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For more information, contact one of the following media representatives:
ETFO – Valerie Dugale at 416-948-0195, or email [email protected]
OECTA – Michelle Despault at 416-925-2493, ext.509, or [email protected]
OSSTF / FEESO – Paul Kossta at 416-751-8300, ext.225, or sent an email to [email protected]