As some teachers in midwestern Ontario hit the picket line, one local teachers' union says that move is premature for this region.
More than 1,500 high school teachers in the Durham region went on strike Monday. "It certainly sends fear into teachers, parents and students and that's something that we try to avoid," says Lambton Kent Elementary Teachers' Federation President Ron Rivait. "We know that's out there right now, but all we can do is really focus. We continue to talk with our board on a regular basis to work through a lot of local issues."
At this point, he says there are no plans for teachers to walk out in Chatham-Kent. "I assure you that all the energy and all the focus is making sure that we are running the best programs possible in our classrooms and at this point in time we are not looking towards any strike action," says Rivait.
He isn't willing to say what some of the union's main issues are until talks begin.
Both sides are scheduled to meet on April 29.