The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario votes overwhelmingly in favour of a possible strike. 

(Toronto Star0

ETFO, which represents 83,000 public elementary teachers, occasional teachers and educational professionals, held votes in September and last month.

In mid-October the union filed for conciliation after talks with the government had stalled.

ETFO and other major education unions have been critical of the Ford government’s direction since it assumed power last year.

ETFO says more support for students with special needs, reducing class size, supports to address the problem of classroom violence and job security are among its priorities.

High school teachers and teachers in the English Catholic system are also holding strike votes with results expected in the coming weeks.

Contracts with several education sector unions expired August 31.

A strike by 55,000 education workers, including custodians and early childhood educators was avoided when their union, CUPE, reached a last minute agreement with the government.