Ontario’s public elementary teachers have ratified a contract with the provincial government, voting 90% in favour of the new deal.

Under the deal, compensation for the union’s 80,000 teachers and occasional teachers will be referred to arbitration, as will the issue of retroactive salary increases.

ETFO president Karen Brown says that while bargaining was “exceptionally difficult and lengthy” the agreement proves the process works.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the deal will provide three years of un-interrupted learning for students.

The agreement must still be ratified by the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association. A vote is expected next week.