Description: The Ontario government has imposed contracts on elementary and secondary school teachers, freezing pay and reducing sick days.

Source: The Globe and Mail

Date: 01/03/2013

Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/ontario-teachers-imposed-contract-ensures-continued-discord-unions-say/article6932573/

Related links:

• Video: Education Minister Laurel Broten announces government move
• Andrew Coyne opinion piece
• Thomas Walkom opinion piece
• Ontario education ministry
• The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
• The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation

Questions for discussion:

• What are the main features of the contracts imposed by the Ontario government?
• What reason does the government give for taking this action?
• What is the teachers’ response?
• Summarize the arguments made by Andrew Coyne and Thomas Walkom.
• Which arguments do you find to be the most persuasive? Why?