that a teacher can have in
a week.
That limit is currently
six different classes in a week – up to 18 hours, three hours for each
of those classes – and the proposal from management was to remove that
cap to have an unlimited number of classes.”
Montgomery refuted several
employer statements about the negotiations.
“We told them at the
bargaining table that we do not want a reduction of workload. We have
not sought that,” he said. “What we want is fewer students for each
teacher. It’s a matter of quality. A teacher with 240 students cannot
give each of those students the same level of quality as that same
teacher with 150 students.
“We want the students to
reap the benefits that Bob Rae said, in his report, they deserved.”
Montgomery also called on
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to step into the dispute.
“We’re not seeking
legislation back to work. We think that’s the wrong way to go,” said
Montgomery.” We believe that Mr. McGuinty should encourage his agents,
and in fact require his agents at the bargaining table, to table a
serious and responsible offer.”
In a letter today to
McGuinty, OPSEU president Leah Casselman stressed the need for urgent
action.
“We want smaller classes
and more faculty so every college student can have more faculty time,
more attention, and more feedback,” she wrote. “In the end, our
members went on strike for the very principles outlined in the Rae
report, principles you yourself endorsed last May.
“Premier, the issue is
quality,” she continued. “Our members want it, the students need it,
and Bob Rae recommended it. Please remind the colleges that you
have funded it and want to see it delivered.”
Click here to read a
transcript of Ted Montgomery’s remarks.
Click here
to read Leah Cassleman's letter to Dalton McGuinty
