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As the goal of any type of strike action is an agreeable
contract, working-to-rule does little to further the cause
of the teachers.
Typically, worker strikes cause economic losses for the
employer; however, in the case of teachers, it is the opposite.
A teacher strike actually saves the TDSB money. Therefore,
unionized teachers are in a unique bargaining position;
their only tool is public opinion.
A work-to-rule action does little to increase public support
for the teachers. If it is to be in any way effective, it
must create inconveniences for the administration, students
and/or support staff at Martingrove C.I. However, inconveniencing
potential supporters is hardly an effective method of garnering
sympathy.
Instead, the OSSTF should be trying to change the all-too-pervasive
image of teachers as over-paid and under-worked individuals.
If this was successfully accomplished, then not only would
public support increase, but the citizens of Ontario would
be less supportive of the cause of the problem: the Conservative
government of Ontario.
To their credit, many Martingrove teachers set a positive
example for their peers by choosing not to follow all of
the strike instructions issued by District 12 of the OSSTF,
thereby minimizing the disruption that occurs.
Additional Information: Factbox
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