The first week of school is over and there is still no agreement between the union representing Ontario elementary teachers and the provincial government.
After seven days at the bargaining table- The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) says the government walked away from the table.
"We're shocked at this development, although progress during our discussion was proceeded at a very slow pace," says Sam Hammond, ETFO President, in a statement. " ETFO was prepared to put in the time necessary to reach a fair central agreement. It appears other parties were not prepared to do the same."
Elementary teachers are on a work-to-rule campaign and have said they won't be planning field trips, holding open houses, or plan fundraising activities.
There is still no confirmation as to when talks will resume. In a statement Education Minister Liz Sandals says they’ve presented an offer to the union and it is now in their hands if they'll accept it.
The recent talk break-down has some parents concerned students are getting caught in the middle.
Parent Brian Pilon says, "They are using kids hostage is how I view it, and it's not right in my opinion, they shouldn't be going through this at all."
Heidi Hemken says field trips are an important part of the school year. "They won’t really have a feel for how they are doing. And of course school spirit won’t be there and school can be boring and you need all that stuff to make school fun, so it will dampen their spirits."
