ETFO - Lambton Kent District School Board

Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) was involved in central collective bargaining with the Ministry of Education and the Ontario Public School Boards' Association. The contract expired August 31, 2019.

UPDATE: Refer to the Collective Agreement

Media Releases

Lambton Kent District School Board and Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario Lambton Kent Teacher Local ratify collective agreement
Lambton Kent District School Board and Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario Lambton Kent Teacher Local reach a tentative agreement

Information regarding Ontario's Support for Parents Program
Information regarding the program and application instructions can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website: www.ontario.ca/SupportForParents Please contact your individual child care operator for up-to-date information regarding child care services throughout the school year, including during strike action.

Contract Negotiations Update – March 21, 2020 11:30 a.m.

On Friday, March 20, the Ministry of Education and the trustees' association announced they have reached a tentative provincial agreement with the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO).

We are pleased a tentative provincial collective agreement has been reached and appreciate the patience and support of families throughout this process.

Contract negotiations continue to be an ongoing focus for the Ministry and Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) moving forward. Local collective bargaining between the LKDSB and Lambton Kent Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario is ongoing.

Up-to-date information regarding contract negations for all union groups is available on the LKDSB's website (www.lkdsb.net).

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Download a copy of Director Howitt's letter to parents/guardians: March21_Parent_Guardian_Letter.pdf

Contract Negotiations Update – February 25, 2020 2:10 p.m.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has been notified that effective Wednesday, February 26, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will escalate the legal strike action, involving a partial withdrawal of services, unless a settlement is reached prior to this date.

At this time, ETFO members will continue to provide student instruction, and perform their scheduled duties and supervision assignments during work time.

Note: There are currently no scheduled s trike actions (full withdrawal of services) affecting LKDSB elementary schools.

Please be assured that the LKDSB's top priority is maintaining caring, safe and positive learning environments for students.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage. Please visit the website regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Contract Negotiations Update – February 21, 2020 6 a.m.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) have confirmed their members will join colleagues across the province in a one-day legal strike action (full withdrawal of services) on Friday, February 21, 2020.

As such, all Lambton Kent District School Board elementary and secondary schools and programs are CLOSED to students on Friday, February 21, 2020. Elementary and secondary schools and programs will reopen to students on Monday, February 24, 2020.

Please visit the LKDSB website regularly for updated information regarding contract negotiations: www.lkdsb.net

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – February 20, 2020 9:15 a.m.

As a reminder, if provincial settlements are not reached, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) will join colleagues across the province in a one-day legal strike (full withdrawal of services) on Friday, February 21, 2020.

A full strike would mean elementary and secondary teachers would not report to work and the LKDSB will not be able to safely operate our schools. As such, elementary and secondary schools and programs will be closed to students on Friday, February 21, 2020. Elementary and secondary schools and programs will reopen to students on Monday, February 24.

Due to anticipated school closures, families are strongly encouraged to explore alternate childcare arrangements. The LKDSB is hopeful provincial agreements can be reached, and the full strike actions will be avoided.

The LKDSB will update parents/guardians and all stakeholders through the LKDSB website as soon as new information becomes available. Please visit the LKDSB website (www.lkdsb.net) regularly for up-to-date information.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – February 13, 2020 1 p.m.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has been notified that members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) will join colleagues across the province in a one-day legal strike (full withdrawal of services) on Friday, February 21, 2020, unless a settlement is reached prior to this date.

Student safety is the top priority for the LKDSB. In our schools and across our system, ETFO and OSSTF represent all elementary and secondary school teachers. A full strike would mean elementary and secondary teachers would not report to work and the LKDSB will not be able to safely operate our schools.

If a settlement is not reached and the one-day, legal strike actions proceed, elementary and secondary schools and programs will be closed to students on Friday, February 21, 2020. Elementary and secondary schools and programs will reopen to students on Monday, February 24.

Please continue to check the LKDSB website up to and including the morning of February 21 for updates regarding whether elementary and secondary schools will be closed to students on Friday, February 21, 2020.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Download a copy of Director Howitt's letter to parents/guardians: Feb13_Parent_Guardian_Letter.pdf

Contract Negotiations Update – February 11, 2020 6 a.m.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has confirmed its members will join colleagues across the province in a one-day legal strike action (full withdrawal of services) on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

As such, all Lambton Kent District School Board elementary schools and programs are CLOSED to elementary students on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

All elementary schools and programs will reopen to students on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Please note: Secondary schools will be open to secondary students only on February 11, 2020.

Please visit the LKDSB website for updated information regarding contract negotiations: www.lkdsb.net

Contract Negotiations Update – February 10, 2020 6 a.m.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has confirmed its members will join colleagues throughout the province in a one-day legal strike action (full withdrawal of services) on Monday, February 10, 2020.

As such, all Lambton Kent District School Board elementary schools and programs are CLOSED to elementary students on Monday, February 10, 2020.

Additionally, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), who are in a legal strike position, will engage in a province-wide, one-day legal strike action (full withdrawal of services) on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, if a provincial settlement is not reached prior to this date.

If a provincial settlement is not reached and the legal one-day strike action proceeds, elementary schools and programs will reopen to students on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Please note: Secondary schools will be open to secondary students only on February 10-11, 2020.

Please visit the LKDSB website for updated information regarding contract negotiations: www.lkdsb.net

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – February 7, 2020 1 p.m.

As a reminder, if a provincial settlement is not reached, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), who are in a legal strike position, will engage in one-day legal strike actions (full withdrawal of services) on Monday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

Student safety is the top priority for the LKDSB. In our schools and across our system, ETFO represents all elementary school teachers. A full strike would mean elementary teachers would not report to work and the LKDSB will not be able to safely operate our elementary schools.

If a settlement is not reached and the one-day, legal strike actions proceed, elementary schools and programs will be closed to students on the following dates:

Monday, February 10
Tuesday, February 11

If a provincial settlement is not reached and the legal one-day strike actions (full withdrawal of services) proceed, elementary schools and programs will reopen to students on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Please continue to check the LKDSB website up to and including the morning of the scheduled strike action dates for updates regarding whether elementary schools will be closed to students on these dates.

Due to anticipated school closures, families are strongly encouraged to explore alternate childcare arrangements. The LKDSB is hopeful a provincial agreement can be reached, and the full strike action will be avoided.

Please note: Secondary schools will be open to secondary students only on these dates.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – February 6, 2020 6 a.m.

As such, all Lambton Kent District School Board elementary schools and programs are CLOSED to elementary students on Thursday, February 6. Elementary schools will reopen to students on Friday, February 7, 2020.

All secondary schools will be open to secondary students only on February 6, 2020.

Parents/guardians: Please review additional information below in the February 5 Contract Negotiations Update regarding potential school closures on Monday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 11, 2020, if a settlement is not reached and the one-day, legal strike actions (full withdrawal of services) proceed. The LKDSB will update parents/guardians and all stakeholders through the LKDSB website as soon as new information becomes available.

Please visit the LKDSB website (www.lkdsb.net) regularly for up-to-date information for all union groups.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – February 5, 2020 4:15 p.m.

In addition to the previously announced dates, the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has been notified that members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will engage in one-day legal strike actions (full withdrawal of services) on Monday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 11, 2020, unless a provincial settlement is reached prior to these dates.

If a settlement is not reached and the one-day, legal strike actions proceed, elementary schools will be closed to students on the following dates:

Thursday, February 6
Monday, February 10
Tuesday, February 11

Please note: Secondary schools will be open on these dates, based on the information to date.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Download a copy of Director Howitt's letter to parents/guardians: Feb5_Parent_Guardian_Letter.pdf

Contract Negotiations Update – February 4, 2020 6 a.m.

As such, all Lambton Kent District School Board elementary and programs are CLOSED to elementary students on Tuesday, February 4. Elementary schools and programs will reopen to students on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.

Please visit the LKDSB website for updated information regarding contract negotiations: www.lkdsb.net

Contract Negotiations Update – February 3, 2020 8:30 a.m.

As a reminder, if a provincial settlement is not reached, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), who are in a legal strike position, will engage in one-day strike actions (full withdrawal of services) on Tuesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 6, 2020.

A full strike would mean elementary teachers would not report to work and the LKDSB will not be able to safely operate our elementary schools. As such, elementary schools will be closed to students on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 and Thursday, February 6, 2020 if the one-day legal strike actions proceed. Elementary schools and programs will be open to students on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.

Please note: All secondary schools and programs under the supervision of an OSSTF member at a Board or affiliated location will be closed to students on Tuesday, February 4, if the one-day legal strike by members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) proceeds.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – January 30, 2020 6 a.m.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has confirmed its members will join colleagues throughout the province in a one-day legal strike (full withdrawal of services) on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

As such, all Lambton Kent District School Board elementary schools and programs are CLOSED to elementary students on Thursday, January 30. As Friday, January 31 is a PA Day, students will return to school on Monday, February 3, 2020.

All secondary schools will be open to secondary students only on Thursday, January 30, 2020. Secondary student transportation will run as scheduled on January 30.

Please visit the LKDSB website for updated information regarding contract negotiations: www.lkdsb.net

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – January 28, 2020 4 p.m.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) was notified that members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), who are in a legal strike position, will engage in one-day strike actions (full withdrawal of services) on Tuesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 6, 2020, unless a settlement is reached prior to these dates.

If a provincial settlement is not reached and the one-day, legal strike actions proceed, elementary schools will be closed to students on the following dates:

Thursday, January 30, 2020
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Thursday, February 6, 2020

All secondary schools will be open to secondary students on these dates.

Please Note: Friday, January 31, 2020 is a scheduled Professional Activity Day (PA Day).

Please continue to check the LKDSB website up to and including the morning of the scheduled strike action dates for updates regarding whether elementary schools will be closed to students.

Download a copy of Director Howitt's letter to parents/guardians: Jan28_Parent_Guardian_Letter.pdf

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – January 25, 2020 1 p.m.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) was notified today (Saturday, January 25) that members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), who are in a legal strike position, will engage in a one-day strike (full withdrawal of services) on Thursday, January 30, 2020, unless a settlement is reached prior to this date.

If a settlement is not reached and the one-day, full strike proceeds, elementary schools will be closed to students on Thursday, January 30, 2020. As Friday, January 31 is a PA Day, students will return to school on Monday, February 3, 2020. Please continue to check the LKDSB website up to and including Thursday morning for updates regarding whether elementary schools will be closed to students on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

The LKDSB is hopeful a provincial agreement can be reached, and the full strike action will be avoided.

Please note: All secondary schools will be open to secondary students only on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

Download a copy of Director Howitt's letter to parents/guardians: Jan25_Parent_Guardian_Letter.pdf

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Message to Parents/Guardians re: Kindergarten Communication of Learning and Term 1 Report Cards – January 22, 2020

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Due to ongoing provincial contract negotiations and legal strike action involving the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), Kindergarten Communication of Learning and Term 1 report cards (Grades 1-8) will not be issued for elementary students. The absence of a Kindergarten Communication of Learning or Term 1 report card will not impact students' ongoing learning.

It is our expectation that communication with parents/guardians regarding your child's progress has been ongoing throughout the school year. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their child's teacher(s) at this time and/or at any time throughout the school year for updates on the student's academic achievement and well-being.

Please be assured that the Lambton Kent District School Board's top priority is maintaining caring, safe and positive learning environments for students.

Visit the LKDSB website (www.lkdsb.net) regularly for up-to-date information regarding ongoing labour relations. The LKDSB will communicate any changes based on updates, as available.

Download a copy of Director Howitt's letter to parents/guardians: Jan22_Parent_Guardian_Letter_Report_Cards.pdf

Contract Negotiations Update – January 20, 2020 5 p.m.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is aware that at other school board locations across the province, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will participate in legal strike actions, involving a one-day full withdrawal of services, on Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24, 2020, unless a settlement is reached prior to these dates.

Important note: The LKDSB is not directly impacted by the one-day, full strike actions. As such, all LKDSB elementary schools and programs will be open on Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24, 2020.

Contract negotiations between the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association and ETFO are ongoing and the LKDSB is hopeful a fair agreement can be reached.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – January 17, 2020 9:15 a.m.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is aware that at other school board locations across the province, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will participate in a legal strike action, involving a one-day full withdrawal of services, on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, unless a settlement is reached prior to this date.

Important note: The LKDSB is not directly impacted by the one-day, full strike action. As such, all LKDSB elementary schools and programs will be open on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.

Contract negotiations between the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association and ETFO are ongoing and the LKDSB is hopeful a fair agreement can be reached.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Contract Negotiations Update – January 16, 2020 8:45 a.m. UPDATED

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is aware that at other school board locations across the province, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will participate in legal strike actions, involving a one-day full withdrawal of services, on Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21, 2020, unless a settlement is reached prior to these dates.

Important note: The LKDSB is not directly impacted by the one-day, full strike actions. As such, all LKDSB elementary schools and programs will be open on Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

Contract negotiations between the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association and ETFO are ongoing and the LKDSB is hopeful a fair agreement can be reached.

Please continue to visit the LKDSB website regularly for update-to-date information regarding contract negotiations: www.lkdsb.net

Contract Negotiations Update – January 10, 2020 1:25 p.m.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has been notified that on Monday, January 13, 2020, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will escalate the legal strike action, involving a partial withdrawal of services, to include field trips and extracurricular activities scheduled outside the regular school day, unless a settlement is reached prior to this date.

The LKDSB continues to work with ETFO to determine exactly how the strike action will impact its schools. Parents/guardians should expect communication from the school regarding details about extracurricular activities and field trips, including fee reimbursement in the event a field trip is cancelled. Decisions regarding field trips and extracurricular activities will be made on a case-by-case basis. Parents/guardians can also follow-up with the school for more information.

Please note: Based on the information to date, all LKDSB elementary schools will be open to students on Monday, January 13, 2020 and will remain open as scheduled. Any notification of a potential school closure to students will be communicated in advance and posted on the LKDSB website.

The LKDSB is also aware ETFO has indicated its members will participate in a legal strike, involving a full withdrawal of services, on a rotating basis at school boards across the province, unless a settlement is reached prior to January 17, 2020. In the event a legal strike, involving a full withdrawal of services, is planned to directly impact the LKDSB and results in school closures, please be assured the LKDSB will provide parents/guardians with advance notification to assist with planning for alternative child care arrangements.

Contract negotiations between the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association and ETFO are ongoing and the LKDSB is hopeful a fair agreement can be reached.

Please be assured that the LKDSB's top priority is maintaining caring, safe and positive learning environments for students.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Download a copy of Director Howitt's letter to parents/guardians: Jan10_Parent_Guardian_Letter_FINAL.pdf

Contract Negotiations Update – December 9, 2019 6 p.m.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has been notified that on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will join their colleagues across the province in phase two of a legal strike, involving a partial withdrawal of services, unless a settlement is reached prior to this date.

The LKDSB continues to work with ETFO to determine exactly how the strike will impact its schools. Based on the information to date, all LKDSB elementary schools will be open to students on Tuesday, December 10 with no interruption to classes or extra-curricular activities.

Contract negotiations between the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association and ETFO are ongoing and the LKDSB is hopeful a fair agreement can be reached.

Be assured that the LKDSB's top priority is maintaining safe and positive learning environments for students.

Please continue to visit the LKDSB website regularly for update-to-date information regarding contract negotiations: www.lkdsb.net

Contract Negotiations Update – November 15, 2019 2:45 p.m.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has been notified that members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will join their colleagues across the province in a legal strike, involving a partial withdrawal of services, effective Tuesday, November 26, 2019, unless a settlement is reached prior to this date. Contract negotiations between the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association and ETFO are ongoing and the LKDSB remains hopeful that a negotiated settlement can be reached.

The LKDSB understands this can create some uncertainty within schools. The LKDSB is working with ETFO to determine exactly how the strike will impact its schools. Based on the information to date, elementary schools will be open to students on Tuesday, November 26 with no interruption to classes or extra-curricular activities.

Please be assured that the LKDSB's top priority is maintaining safe and positive learning environments for students.

Updates regarding the ETFO contract negotiations will be posted on this webpage.

Download a copy of Director Howitt's letter to parents/guardians: Nov15_Parent_Guardian_Letter.pdf