Effect given to the recommendations of the committee and the Governing Body - REPORT_NO338, November 2005

Effect given to the recommendations of the Committee and the Governing Body

1. 35. The Committee last examined this case at its May-June 2005 session, where it noted with interest from the information provided by the Government that social dialogue had apparently resumed and was being pursued in the education sector. The Committee requested the Government to continue to keep it informed of developments, in particular as regards results achieved at the Education Partnership Table, including as concerns the establishment of a voluntary and effective dispute-prevention and resolution mechanism [see 337th Report, para. 32].
2. 36. In a communication dated 6 July 2005, the Government of Ontario states that it continues to work with education stakeholders to bring peace and stability to the sector. According to the Government, there is a changed atmosphere evidenced by the more engaged and frank dialogue between unions and the new Minister of Education. For the first time in the sector’s history, there are now approximately 16 four-year collective agreements with teachers, and there have been no strikes during this administration. The Ministry has successfully replaced a confrontational environment with a collaborative one between the Government and teachers.
3. 37. Whilst noting with interest the information provided by the Government in the present case, the Committee cannot but express its concern that a new complaint has been brought in the meantime by the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE, Case No. 2430) in connection with the education sector in Ontario, which does not fully corroborate the Government’s vision of the state of industrial relations. The Committee requests the Government to pursue its best efforts to maintain a stable and harmonious labour relations atmosphere in the education sector, and to continue to keep it informed of results achieved at the Education Partnership Table, including as regards the establishment of a voluntary and effective dispute-prevention and resolution mechanism.