Occasional teachers, board at an impasse

The union representing occasional teachers employed by the Dufferin- Peel Catholic District School Board said a standoff between the board and the Ontario government over finances has blocked its negotiations with the board.

Donna Marie Kennedy, president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA), which represents the occasional teachers, said the teachers believe the board is using the presence of Norbert Hartmann as an excuse to avoid its duty to bargain. In February, the government appointed Hartmann as supervisor of the board's finances, effectively removing trustees from the decisionmaking process.

The union has applied for conciliation, the first step in a process that could lead to a strike.

The occasional teachers have been without a contract since last August. The local bargaining unit is the only one among 80 in the province that does not have a contract for the school year.

Kennedy said the school board is demanding concessions that would reduce the teachers' overall compensation.

"It is inexcusable that one group is not being dealt with fairly. If we had been able to bargain without interference, we would have a contract now."