DDSB reaches deals with two local units

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

DURHAM: The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has reached deals with two local bargaining groups.

On Monday, November 2nd, the board announced they reached deals with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation’s (OSSTF) Professional Student Services Personnel (PSSP) and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario’s (ETFO) Designated Early Childhood Educators units (DECE).

“The DDSB ratified both agreements at a Special Board Meeting, on November 2nd, 2020, while PSSP and DECE reached ratification of their agreements respectively on October 20th and October 28th. The DDSB continues to collectively bargain with eight remaining bargaining units to reach an agreement,” read a press release from the local school board.

In a statement, DDSB chair Chris Braney appeared to be happy with the deals. “The Durham District School Board values the partnerships we have with our labour partners. We are pleased to reach an agreement with OSSTF Professional Student Services Personnel and ETFO Designated Early Childhood Educator bargaining units. The important role these two employee groups play in serving students and the system is crucial to ensuring student success and well-being.”

In her own statement, Jennifer Seif of OSSTF District 13 shared, she was “happy to have reached a collective agreement with the Durham District School Board.”

“We are grateful for the efforts of both parties to come together to reach an agreement that supports public education in Durham,” she added.

ETFO Durham’s Rayna Barrese also provided a statement. “After our members experienced a very challenging round of provincial bargaining this year, I am pleased to announce we have reached and ratified a local agreement with the DDSB. Through many collaborative discussions, with the Board over the last 5 months, we believe a fair agreement was reached [which] will meet many of the needs for our members.”

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