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ETFO is prepared to escalate its current job action should bargaining not resume in the coming days, but Hammond wouldn’t say what, exactly, that might entail, or when parents might know.

Currently, his members aren’t booking field trips, hosting meet-the-teacher nights or participating in certain professional development activities or administrative duties after hours. Many expect a withdrawal of extra-curricular activities to lead the next phase of the campaign. ETFO is in a legal strike position where it could stage a full walkout with just five days notice.

Hammond made it clear his members wouldn’t cave, but not what their issues are. He also said he wouldn’t “negotiate through the media” and the province is just looking to settle before the Oct. 19 federal vote.

ETFO is not prepared to accept a flawed deal… just to increase the Liberal Party’s chances in October’s federal election

“ETFO is not prepared to accept a flawed deal that does not address our members’ needs and the needs of public elementary students in the long term, just to increase the Liberal Party’s chances in October’s federal election.”

For her part, Wynne said earlier Monday the onus is now on Ontario’s elementary teachers to say why an offer accepted by other teachers’ unions isn’t good enough for them.

Both sides were openly willing to get back to the bargaining table on Monday, but the question now is how. ETFO, compared to other teachers’ unions, spent the least time in negotiations over the past year; there were no formal bargaining dates scheduled from May 11 to September 1.