ADVANCING ONTARIO PUBLIC EDUCATION it’s a JUSTCAWS Gregory Cawsey

Former teacher union District VP and nomination candidate for the Progressive Conservatives, Greg shares his unique perspective on the current #onted dispute.

Dark clouds are hovering over Ontario public education, right now. Whether you blame the government or the unions it doesn’t matter, schools are closed – again, and parents are fed up. This will be a pivotal week in determining if the Ford government cares about public education or is purposely creating havoc in the system to undermine it in the eyes of Ontarians.

As for the education unions, from my experience at the negotiation table – I know they don’t care about public education – it’s not their job.  They work to get their due paying members the best compensation deal they can. Since their union dues are a percentage of gross pay – it is in the union’s self-interest to get their member pay raises. I don’t begrudge them for that, but they spew a whole of bunch B.S. when they say, “we are doing this for the kids”.

If you believe the government is making public education, stronger by finally ending the constant work stoppages and disruption – then this the end justifies the means approach better happen quickly. If that means contracting out cleaning services and fining the union to the max – do it and bring an end to the work stoppage. Ford started down this road by imposing a contract – he had to anticipate a major push back would come.

Union supporters like to make the charge that Ford Nation wants to dismantle public education and push further privatization. If that is proven to be the case, then what good comes for standing by and letting that happen. Go back to work and push the feds to act and make our charter mean something again.

Public education does need a hero right now – we will find out soon who that may be.




---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greg-cawsey5/message

Unions don't support pushing for essential service status because it cuts the size and influence of their organizations.I f you agree that teachers would get a better deal if deemed essential - then members will ask why are we paying so much in dues. An association can do contract maintenance for much less. rather than spending millions on ad buys during contract talks.

The government may not want this, but the public does . They are tired of the current adversarial system of endless contract disputes and so am I.


---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greg-cawsey5/message

If public education is in fact in trouble, the one terrible sign would be public apathy. Sadly, in some municipalities the indifference is on full display with some school trustee positions being unfilled or uncontested individuals being acclaimed. The system needs input from the public to be at its best.

Secondary issue is that teachers have flexed their political muscles in endorsing candidates who see public education through their lens.  With limited numbers running for the position, teacher influence has skewed the political balance needed on school boards.

Solutions… just listen.


---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greg-cawsey5/message

Today's idea is to take away teacher's unions' right to strike by making teaching an essential service.


---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greg-cawsey5/message

Welcome to Advancing Public Education, hosted by Gregory Cawsey. Here to give voice to ideas on advancing public education. 


---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greg-cawsey5/message

A strong Public Education system is vital for a functional democracy. So many important parts of our society are supported by an educated electorate that learns perspective in an environment that reflects the society they want to change.

Equity within public education is vital, but it must be done right. 

An uncompromising push for equity is going to push out families that have time, money and influence. Their absence will disrupt the diversity needed for the magic of public education to work. Read column at https://www.justcaws.ca/2022/07/drive-for-equity-cannot-drive-families.html


---

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greg-cawsey5/message