Hundreds of Durham teachers to rally in Whitby Wednesday

Hundreds of Durham region secondary teachers are expected to gather Wednesday morning at a massive rally outside the school board’s office in Whitby.

About 800 people are expected to come out in two shifts of picketing as teachers in the region enter their third week of striking.

OSSTF District 13 president Dave Barrowclough said the purpose of the rally is to unite teachers in the district.

“What we’re trying to do is bring people together and show our resolve in this issue, that all of us are standing up for the same thing – we just want to be able to bargain a fare collective agreement.”

Barrowclough said not much has changed in the three weeks since teachers hit the picket lines.

“Our board seems to be very hung up on needing a provincial deal before they’re going to negotiate with us locally,” he said. “I’m hoping Kathleen Wynne does light a fire under someone up there to get that deal in place.”

On Tuesday, the premier spoke about the public secondary strikes taking place in Durham, Sudbury and Peel region, as well as the strike action announced by Peel public elementary school teachers.

“I want kids in school, I want them learning,” Wynne said. “It is our responsibility to work at that provincial table… we need to get everyone back at the table and get that deal.”

The rally is scheduled to take place on Taunton Road from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

With files from News Staff

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