The Ontario Secondary School Teachers` Federation (OSSTF) recently reached a tentative agreement with the Ontario government regarding the terms of their collective bargaining agreement for 2020. This agreement is set to impact the province`s secondary school teachers, education workers, and support staff.
One of the most significant aspects of the agreement is the wage increases that will be awarded to OSSTF members. It has been confirmed that teachers and support staff will receive a 1% increase in salary in both 2020 and 2021. Additionally, education workers in specific roles will receive an additional 1% salary increase in the second year of the agreement.
Another important aspect of the OSSTF agreement is the increased funding that will be provided for special education programs. This includes a commitment to dedicate $12 million toward special education programs in the 2020-21 school year, with an additional $14 million being added in the following year.
The agreement also addresses a number of other issues, including improvements to employee benefits and paid leave entitlements. For instance, the amount of personal emergency leave that employees are entitled to has been increased from two to three days each year. Additionally, OSSTF members will be able to access a new benefit program that provides coverage for health and wellness services, including mental health support.
It should be noted that the agreement has yet to be ratified, and the outcome of the ratification vote is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Nevertheless, the proposed agreement is seen as a positive development for OSSTF members, and it is hoped that it will help to strengthen the quality of education in Ontario`s secondary schools.
Overall, the OSSTF agreement for 2020 contains a number of positive developments for educators, education workers, and support staff. The wage increases, increased funding for special education programs, and improvements to benefits and paid leave entitlements are all expected to make a positive impact on the lives of OSSTF members. Moreover, the agreement is an encouraging sign that the Ontario government is committed to improving the quality of education in the province.