Arbitrator Rules That He Has No Jurisdiction Over ETFO Central Grievance Concerning Report Cards

In a significant decision, Arbitrator Hayes has concluded that, as a Central Arbitrator, he does not have jurisdiction under the central terms of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) collective agreements to consider a grievance concerning a school board’s instructions to teachers regarding the preparation of report cards…

Ministry Releases Code of Practice to Guide Employers in New Workplace Harassment Obligations

On September 8, 2016, changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) will come into force. The amendments require employers to develop policies and programs to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, in the workplace. The Ministry of Labour has now finalized its “Code of Practice to Address Workplace Harassment under Ontario’s Occupational Health and…

Arbitrator Rules MOE Memo Restricting Payment of Post-Retirement Benefits Cannot Override Terms of Employment Contract

In Piddisi v Toronto Catholic District School Board, a decision released on June 7, 2016, Arbitrator William Marcotte awarded a retired Supervisory Officer (SO) formerly employed by the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) damages for the TCDSB’s failure to pay premiums for post-retirement benefits…

Extended Day and Third Party Program Regulation Filed Under the Education Act

On May 9, 2016, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 129/16 made under the Education Act. O. Reg. 129/16 amends O. Reg. 221/11 (Extended Day and Third Party Programs) and is the supporting regulation to amendments made to the Education Act by the Child Care Modernization Act, 2014. Those amendments set out requirements for a…