The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) has been negotiating a new collective agreement with its teachers for 2020. The agreement is significant because it will impact the salaries, benefits, and working conditions for all UCDSB teachers.

The negotiations between the UCDSB and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers` Federation (OSSTF) have been ongoing for several months. The primary issues at stake include salary increases, class sizes, and workload.

One of the primary concerns for the UCDSB is the budget restrictions imposed by the provincial government. The government has mandated a one percent increase in salary for all public sector workers, including teachers. However, the OSSTF is pushing for a larger increase, citing the rising cost of living and the need for competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified teachers.

Another issue at the forefront of negotiations is class sizes. The OSSTF is advocating for smaller class sizes, arguing that this will lead to improved student outcomes and better working conditions for teachers. The UCDSB, however, is concerned about the financial implications of reducing class sizes, especially given the current budget constraints.

Workload is also a significant issue for teachers in the UCDSB. Many teachers are required to work additional hours outside of regular classroom time, such as planning and grading assignments. The OSSTF is advocating for more reasonable workload expectations for teachers, while the UCDSB is concerned about balancing workload with budget constraints.

The negotiations between the UCDSB and the OSSTF are ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the final collective agreement will look like. However, it is clear that both parties are working towards finding a mutually beneficial solution that addresses the needs of UCDSB teachers while also respecting budget restrictions.

In conclusion, the UCDSB collective agreement for 2020 is an important issue for teachers and students alike. Salaries, class sizes, and workload are all key elements of the negotiations between the UCDSB and the OSSTF. As the negotiations continue, it will be important to balance the needs of teachers with the financial constraints of the school board in order to create a sustainable and effective collective agreement.