How Ontario Elementary Teachers Became a Political Force

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is the largest teachers' union in Canada, representing over 83,000 elementary teachers in Ontario. ETFO has been a political force in Ontario for decades, and its influence has only grown in recent years.

Class Action: How Ontario’s Elementary Teachers Became a Political Force

by Drew Lindsay

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1785 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	128 pages
Reading age	:	8 - 12 years
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.25 x 0.5 x 7.5 inches

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There are a number of reasons why ETFO has become such a powerful political force. First, ETFO is a very large and well-organized union. It has a strong presence in every riding in Ontario, and its members are very active in the political process. Second, ETFO has a clear and consistent message. It advocates for policies that support public education and improve the working conditions of its members. Third, ETFO is willing to use its political clout to achieve its goals. It has endorsed candidates in provincial elections, and it has lobbied the government on a wide range of issues.

ETFO's political influence has had a significant impact on Ontario education policy. The union has been successful in winning a number of concessions from the government, including increased funding for education, smaller class sizes, and better working conditions for teachers. ETFO has also played a key role in shaping the province's education curriculum.

However, ETFO's political influence has also been criticized by some. Critics argue that the union is too powerful and that it has too much influence over education policy. They also argue that ETFO is more interested in protecting the interests of its members than in improving the quality of education in Ontario.

Despite the criticism, ETFO remains a powerful political force in Ontario. The union has a long history of success, and it is likely to continue to play a major role in Ontario education policy for years to come.

Timeline of ETFO's Political Influence

• 1963: ETFO is founded.
• 1972: ETFO endorses the NDP in the provincial election.
• 1985: ETFO wins a major concession from the government when it negotiates a 5% salary increase for its members.
• 1990: ETFO plays a key role in the defeat of the Conservative government of Frank Miller.
• 1995: ETFO wins a major victory when the government agrees to reduce class sizes in elementary schools.
• 2003: ETFO endorses the Liberal Party in the provincial election.
• 2012: ETFO wins a major concession from the government when it negotiates a 12% salary increase for its members.
• 2014: ETFO plays a key role in the defeat of the Liberal government of Dalton McGuinty.

Key Figures in ETFO's Political History

• Sam Hammond: Hammond was the first president of ETFO. He served from 1963 to 1971, and he played a key role in establishing the union as a political force.
• Shirley Carr: Carr was the first woman president of ETFO. She served from 1981 to 1987, and she was a key figure in the union's campaign for smaller class sizes.
• Ed Brophy: Brophy was the president of ETFO from 1995 to 2007. He was a key figure in the union's endorsement of the Liberal Party in the 2003 provincial election.
• Sam Hammond: Hammond was the president of ETFO from 2012 to 2018. He was a key figure in the union's campaign for a 12% salary increase in 2012.

ETFO's Political Agenda

ETFO's political agenda is based on the following four principles:

1. Public education is a fundamental right.
2. All students deserve a quality education.
3. Teachers are essential to the success of students.
4. Public education must be adequately funded.

ETFO advocates for policies that support public education and improve the working conditions of its members. These policies include:

• Increased funding for education
• Smaller class sizes
• Better working conditions for teachers
• Improved curriculum

ETFO is also committed to social justice issues. The union has been a vocal critic of racism, sexism, and homophobia. ETFO also supports policies that promote environmental protection and economic equality.

ETFO's Political Influence Today

ETFO remains a powerful political force in Ontario today. The union has a strong presence in every riding in the province, and its members are very active in the political process. ETFO is also well-funded, and it has a large staff of professional lobbyists.

ETFO's political influence is likely to continue to grow in the years to come. The union is facing a number of challenges, including declining enrollment in elementary schools and increasing competition from private schools. However, ETFO is well-positioned to meet these challenges. The union has a strong membership base, a clear and consistent message, and a willingness to use its political clout to achieve its goals.

Class Action: How Ontario’s Elementary Teachers Became a Political Force

by Drew Lindsay

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1785 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	128 pages
Reading age	:	8 - 12 years
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.25 x 0.5 x 7.5 inches

FREE