Orillia has seen education workers on the picket lines a few times this year, but not like Friday’s demonstration.
An estimated 500-plus teachers and other education workers walked up and down Coldwater Road, with Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop’s office serving as ground zero.
“It gives a good visual of how deep the cuts are running. They’re hurting all kids from elementary through secondary,” said Andy Kerr, vice-president of the District 17 teachers bargaining unit with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF).
Friday’s protest was the largest one yet, with about 200,000 people taking part in the one-day strike across Ontario. It’s the first time the various unions have come together to demonstrate.
Joining the OSSTF were members of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association and Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens.
“We are clearly here together in a solid, united front of education workers,” said Chris Lowery, OSSTF branch president for Twin Lakes Secondary School.
The majority of Ontarians did not vote for the Progressive Conservatives, he noted, and he believes the party will suffer in the next election.
“The Jill Dunlops, the Doug Downeys, the Andrea Khanjins will be remembered,” he said of area MPPs.
Asked whether he felt the province and the unions were any closer to a resolution, Kerr said, “We’re not getting further away.”
“The pressure is mounting,” he said. “The public is hearing our message and they’re with us in stopping these cuts.”
Robyn Rennie is on their side.
“I support them,” she said. “I was a teacher and it’s really, really hard to teach large classes.”
Rennie was spending time Friday afternoon playing games with her granddaughters at Cards and Coasters in downtown Orillia.
“They’re missing lots of school and that’s unfortunate,” she said. “I understand why (the teachers) are doing it, but it’s hard.”
Rennie is able to look after her daughter’s kids on strike days, but she said she feels for those who don’t have that option.
Alana Bell also considers herself fortunate to have family and friends in the area who can watch her kids while she works.
Like Rennie, Bell supports the teachers’ job action.
“I think what they’re doing is right. They’re fighting for smaller classroom sizes and an education system that works,” Bell said. “I would rather my kids miss some time and be in an education system that’s better for them.”
Bell has a son in junior kindergarten and a daughter in Grade 2. Her daughter is becoming curious about why the teachers are striking.
“We see them with their signs. We wave and honk. She asks what they’re doing and I say, ‘They’re fighting for your education,’” Bell said.
The unions have said the reason for holding one-day strikes rather than a full-on strike is to limit the effect on students’ ability to learn. If Friday’s strike doesn’t lead to a resolution, though, what will be the next step?
“We’re focused on pressuring the government and not hurting out students’ education,” Kerr said.
Added Lowery: “We are here for the long fight.”
