Teachers, support staff take to the picket line

Public secondary school teachers and support workers within the schools were out on the picket line today as part of a one-day strike province-wide as contract talks continue.

OSSTF District 29 Hastings Prince Edward President Scott Marshall was at Centennial Secondary School on Wednesday morning in support of those walking the line.

OSSTF District 29 President Scott Marshall (left in red) was out walking the picket line at Centennial Secondary School on December 4, 2019 as secondary school teachers took part in a one-day strike. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)

He says this is not where they want to be.

Marshall said he was planning on visiting as many schools as possible in the district today to talk to those on the picket line.

He says at the end of the day, the students are the ones who lose.

Teachers on strike at Bayside Secondary School on December 4, 2019 as part of a one-day strike as bargaining between the teachers’ union and the province continues. Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)

Marshall isn’t at the central bargaining table but says they are asking that the government not make cuts which will lead to increased class sizes, as well as mandatory two e-learning classes.

He says they are also asking for compensation.

The one-day strike affected students in Grades 9-12 only.

Teachers on strike at Centennial Secondary School on December 4, 2019 as part of a one-day strike as bargaining between the teachers’ union and the province continues. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)

Support staff with the catholic school board (CUPE) reached an agreement with the province a few weeks ago.

Teachers in the Catholic District School Board are also still awaiting an agreement.

Marshall said Education Minister Stephen Lecce hasn’t been straightforward with the public and encourages people to visit bargainingforeducation.ca to delve deeper into the issues.