Toronto Sun
4 February 2009
I appreciate that employees have the right to be treated fairly when in contract negotiations. Now that we finally have a resolution to the York University strike, we are faced with the possibility that the elementary teachers federation may strike. We don’t need another education strike. Teaching in public educational institutions should be deemed an essential service and strikes should be prohibited.
When teachers go on strike, it affects many people’s lives. I don’t
understand why teachers, or any public servants, are reluctant to give
up the right to strike, as the binding-arbitration process would replace
it. Arbitration is a very powerful negotiating tool, and the employees
usually come out the winners — and remain at full pay during contract
negotiations. They would also get back-pay when the contract is
ratified.
I hope Premier Dalton McGuinty is listening.
