Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1978-04-06, Page 18teacher position is the addition of "has attained the age of 50 years". Why is this point so im- portant? BOARD: The original intent of this clause was to be a pay out for a retiring teacher, not a cash out provision. TEACHERS: A sick leave credit gratuity established under the Education Act allows teachers to collect one-half of their unused sick leave credits when they leave teaching. Because they have not used their sick leave during their careers, they have saved the Board the cost of supply teachers for those days. The teachers feet that age fifty is unfair because it penalizes a teacher who has devoted himself to Huron County rather than coming here to complete his® career. E.g. a teacher comes to Huron when he is 38 and teaches 12 years (required for eligibility), he retires at 50 and collects his sick leave credit gratuity. Another teacher comes to Huron at age 23 and teaches for this county for 26 years; he is only 49 and cannot collect his sick leave credits. 6. Do you favour the use of an arbitrator to settle this dispute? Why? BOARD: No. We feel accountable to the people in Huron County to settle our own problems. TEACHERS: Yes. We first suggested this in September 1977. This is the fastest way to get education' going again. It becomes nonsensical to refuse outside assistance when the parties can no longer negotiate and solve their problems. If one feels that one's offer is reasonable, one should be willing to allow an arbitrator to make the decision. It is imperative that the school system ' in this county resume operation as quickly as possible and arbitration appears to be the only way. 7. What are the long range financial implications if the settlement favours the teachers' position • regarding work load? BOARD: The result could be even smaller classes, therefore more teachers; therefore additional costs. The long range implication is a shift of financial burden from provincial grants to local ratepayers. TEACHERS: There are no long range financial implications. Quite simply, it is the pupil -teacher ratio that determines how many teachers shall be hired. The workload guidelines merely attempt to spread the workload more equitably among those teachers. 8. What are the long range workload implications if the settlement favours the Board's proposal of a committee? BOARD: The Board's proposal offers the opportunity for input by teachers in an ever changing situation. TEACHERS : If a settlement favoured the Board's present offer of a committee, teachers would have no workload protection and we could be returning to the situation we had a few years ago, of two teachers in the same department, one teaching a total load of 95 students, the other teaching over 200. 9. Do you agree with the Principals of Huron County who have stated that the successful completion of the year is in danger? BOARD: Any prolonged interruption in the school year affects the students. TEACHERS: Yes, we agree that for a growing number of students the successful completion of 'their year is in danger. We feel that it is not only the senior students who need regular classes, but all students. 10. What suggestions do you have to get serious negotiations under way again? BOARD: The Board's position is reasonable. We were willing to try the teachers' original workload proposal in the 1976-77 contract, but we found it conflicted with the PTR (Pupil -Teacher Ratio) clause. Why won't the teachers at least try the Board's proposal? TEACHERS: We have already requested the mediator, Mr. Harvey Ladd, to once again at- tempt to get the parties together.This may have been accomplished by the time this is printed. If that attempt is unsuccessful, then once more we would ask the Board to go to voluntary binding arbitration. This would enable teachers and students to return to their classrooms while arbitration is going on. There is absolutely no point in waiting for the Education Relations Commission to step in and eventually have compulsory binding arbitration imposed. We can ask now, voluntarily, but only if the Board agrees. PAGE 18--CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1978 Parents ask board,teachers questions on strike issues 1. How many teachers complained of overload in working conditions during the past 2 years? What was the main problem? BOARD: There were no complaints received from teachers regarding working conditions over the last 2 years .by the Board or its ad- ministration. TEACHERS: It is difficult to calculate the exact number of teachers who complained to principals about working conditions because so many variables apply in the case of any teacher's timetable. However, statistics in two areas may be revealing: In the 1976-77 period, before any workload clause existed in the agreement, 76 teachers (28 percent) taught 7 periods and would feel unfairly treated con- sidering that 72 percent of the teachers taught 6 periods. Also in that period 58 teachers (21 percent) had excessively high Pupil Period Contacts and would feel unfairly treated since 79 percent had reasonable PPC's. In the period of the 1977-78 school year 48 teachers (17 percent) worked 7 periods and 51 teachers (18.6 percent) were over in their PPC's. These teachers naturally felt unfairly treated since their workload was in excess of the guideline figures. Grievances were lodged that year to bring the situation to the attention of the Board. 2. Last year there was an Appeal and Review Committee. We heard it was inactive. Is this true and why? BOARD: During the academic year 1976-77 there was an Appeal and Review Committee. The Appeal and Review Committee met once. It met to consider the grievance of a teacher who quit teaching at age 37 and was claiming ap- proximately $10,000 from the Board as a retirement gratuity. No other problems were referred to it by the teachers. TEACHERS: Following the 1971 mass resignations both parties thought an Appeal and Review Committee was necessary to provide a forum for discussion and head off confrontation situations. This committee worked well from that time until June 1977. The committee had met previously in the 1976=77 school year and were able to resolve four problems amicably. It ceased to operate when the committee was faced with a problem which involved differences in basic philosophy. 3. How many classes are now over the guidelines suggested in the 1976-77 contract? Do you feel this number is serious enough to prolong this strike? BOARD: The number of teachers in the county (i) in excess of average class size of 30 - 3 (ii) in excess of 180 PPC's - 1; 155 PPC's - 10; 140 PPC's - 0; 100 PPC's - (iii) in excess of average class size + PPC's -1 No. TEACHERS: The number of classes now over the guidelines is no longer relevant because no changes could be made at this point in the school year. What is important . is that there be guidelines for the coming school year so that we do not return to the • great inequities which existed prior to our having workload protection in the agreement. 4. Why is the board so opposed to the class size, pupil period contact, etc. details - while the teachers are so opposed to a workload com- mittee. Could not both proposals accomplish the same aim? BOARD: The Board ( is opposed to fixed, in- flexible absolutes. The Board is also of the opinion that they and not the teachers were elected to manage the school system of Huron County through its administrators. If the teachers were to use the committee approach objectively, then the continued high quality of education can be maintained. Unfortunately this Federation demand is really a "job security" issue and little else. TEACHERS: The Board must give its reasons for opposing workload guidelines. The teachers do not object to a workload committee but they see its function as monitoring rather than establishing guidelines. We feel that it is the Board's responsibility to set down workload guidelines so that all teachers in the county will be treated in the same way. The Board's most recent offer of a Board policy (changeable at any time by them) offers a date of March 1 in each year for establishing guidelines. In other words, no guidelines this year, but maybe for next year; that is, for the school year beginning September 1979. 5. In regard to sick leave gratuity, the only difference between the Board proposal and the Teacher workload Last year's contract (1) The Board shall endeavour to achieve the following gui -nes. (a) Maximum Pupil °" '` iod Contacts (P.P.C's) (This means the total number of students a teacher sees in a day.) Advanced (5 year courses) General (4 year course) Technical Special Education (b) Maximum Class Size Advanced and Commercial (typin and business machines only) - 30 students General and Open (including other Commercial subjects - 25 students Technical, Home Economics practical and Special Education Academic - 20 students Special Education practical - 15 students (c) Lesson Preparations The Board shall endeavour to main- tain an average of three lesson preparations per cycle per teacher. (d) Assigned Time 75 percent instructional, 25 percent preparation and marking (e) Appeals Where exceptions to the above guidelines exist on September 30th, the teacher involved shall be made aware, by the principal, of the factors causing the exception. If the teacher is not satisfied with the explanation he -she may appeal to the Appeal and Review Committee. • (2) Branch Affiliate Members (hereafter called teachers) shall not cover classes for other teachers who are absent except on an emergency basis as determined by the principal. When any one teacher has covered 6 classes, the principal will inform the Board and the teacher will be reimbursed in the amount paid to a qualified teacher. Latest Board Offer Delete the Guidelines and. Replace with the following: (a) A Workload Committee comprised of one trustee -appointed by the Board - one teacher -appointed by District 45 OSSTF Executive Council - one prin- cipal -appointed by Huron Co. Secondary School Principals Association - one senior administrator -appointed by the Director of Education will monitor the workload distribution and will submit, reports and -or recommendations to the Director of Education in May and October and, where necessary, through him to the Board. (b) Any teacher who feels that he has Turn to page 17 • 175 155 140 100 g Latest board offer Within the limits imposed by the ap- proved pupil -teacher ratio, the Board will strike to equalize the workload in its secondary schools through preparation of a "Workload Guideline" By March 1st each year the Director of Education will issue to each secondary school principal, for use in preparing his timetable, a "Workload Guideline" which (1) has been developed in co-operation with representatives of the teachers, Board, Headmasters' Association, and the senior administration; (2) takes into account, as far as possible, for each teacher (a) the total number of students taught (b) the size of each class or section (c) the nature of the program offered in the department (d) the number of lesson preparations and the amount of student work to be marked (e) the level of difficulty of the sub- ject(s) (f) the degree of involvement with other school activities (3) attempts to prevent individual teachers from being responsible for unusually large numbers of students ; and (4) provides reasonable amounts of non -teaching time for administration, preparation, marking, and supervision. (5) incorporates provision for a teacher to request a review of his workload, through hierarchical stages, to the Board. Take time to read and to compare carefully! F Latest teacher proposal (a) Pupil Period Contacts (PPC's) No teacher's PPC's shall exceed the following guidelines: Students taking Advanced Credits- 180 (including typing and business machines) Students taking General Credits - 155 (including other commercial subjects) Students taking Technical Credits - 140 (including Family Studies practical, Special Education Academic & Remedial) Students taking Special Education Credits - 100 (b) Average Class Size No feacher's average class shall ex- ceed the following guidelines: Advanced 30 students General 25 students Technical 20 students Special Education Practical 15 students (c) Lesson Preparations The Board shall make every effort to maintain an average of three lesson preparations per cycle per teacher. (d) Assigned Time (1) The Board shall make every effort to have the maximum teaching timetable load for a teacher ,not exceed. 75 percent of his full possible timetable. (Note: The lunch period is not to be considered as part of the timetable.) Example: 6 periods for a one -day 8 period cycle Example: 6 periods for a two-day 8 period cycle (ii) The remainder of the periods on a teacher's timetable shall be designated as: (a) administration, or (b) preparation and marking Note: Administration periods and preparation and marking periods may be reassigned by the principal as set forth in 13.03 (g) (iii) It is understood that as of Sep- tember 30 in the contract year, the number of teachers teaching in excess of 75 percent of a full possible timetable shall not exceed the number doing so as of that date in the previous contract year. (e) Occasional Teaching Teachers shall not cover classes for other members who are absent except on an emergency basis as determined by the principal. A record of classes covered by each teacher will be main- tained by the principal. When any one teacher has covered 6 classes, the Turn to page 17 • Sick leave credit gratuity Last y ear's contract A teacher who service in Huron County sc is eligible for a pension unde provisions of the Teachers' Superan- nuation Act shall be entitled to the payment of a gratuity on termination of employment. has completed 12 years hools and who the Latest board offer A teacher who has completed 12 years service in Huron County schools shall be entitled to the payment of a gratuity on termination of employment provided hat he (1) is eligible for a pension under the provisions of the Teachers' Superan- nuation Act and has attained the age of 50 years. OR (2) is in receipt of a pension under the provisions of the Teachers' Superan- nuation Act including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a disability pension. Latest teacher proposal (same as last year's contract) A teacher who has completed 12 years service in Huron County schools and who is eligible for a pension under the provisions of the Teachers' Superan- nuation Act shall be entitled to the payment of a gratuity on termination of employment. -16 • NOTICE ENVIRONMENTAL APPEAL BOARD THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1971 (S.0.1971, c. 86, as amended) In the Matter Of: sections 59, 77, 78 and 80 of The En- vironmental Protection Act, 1971, as amended, and In The Matter Of: an appeal dated the 13th day of January, 1978 by Mr. Thomas J. Troyan on behalf of Mr. Ron Sam - ways, from the refusal of the Director, dated the 4th day of January, 1978, to issue a Certificate of Approval for a Class 4 sewage system to be located on a closed road allowance known as Victoria Street in the Village of Bayfield, County of Huron, Ontario and In The Matter of: a hearing to be held by the Environmental Appeal Board. TAKE NOTICE that the- Environmental Appeal Board hereby appoints Thursday, the 13th day of April, 1978 at 11:00 o'clock in the morning (local time) in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, Village of Bayfield, Ontario for the hearing of this appeal. AND TAKE NOTICE that the purpose of the hearing is to enable the Board to determine whether it shall confirm, alter or revoke the refusal that is the subject of the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you do not attend at this hearing the Environmental Appeal Board may proceed in your absence and you will not be entitled to any further notice in the proceedings. Dated at Toronto this 14th day of March, 1978 T.M. Murphy Board Secretary For Your r a CLEAN-UP JIPHE IoN PARTS FOR LATE -MODEL CARS & TRUCKS BOTH REBUILT AND USED INSTALLATION SERVICE BY LICENSED MECHANICS • SUNOCO] 482-3211 YOUR WRECK AT. CLERE-VU $POT CASH FOR WRECKS FARM PASSENGER --COMMERCIAL TIRES BY ROAD,KING, B.F. GOODRICH, GOODYEAR RADIALS - BELTED - POLYESTER PLY At Spring Sale Prices CLERE - VU AUTO WRECKERS Highway 8, 3 miles west of Clinton SPRAYERS AND YOUR LAND ... WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FREE SPRAYER CLINIC Don't miss the 1978 George White Sprayer meetings. One will be held at your nearby George White dealer in the near future. Our sprayer experts will be on hand to show you all the 1978 features. Discuss your spray- ing needs with these people to ensure you get the best for your farm. Also learn more about our sprayers that can handle 28 nitrogen. At last there is a machine available to handle this important farm chemijal. Milton J. Dietz Ltd. RR 3 Seaforth 527-0608 yr Chemical experts will explain how to use and get the most from the newest chemicals available Join us for a cup of coffee after the meeting and meet your neighbours. You'll also have the chance to win a worthwhile door prize. APRIL 6TH 8:00 P.M. GEORGE WHITE 8 SONS CO.. LIMITED