OSSTF District 21 - Teachers'/Occasional Teachers'

11/02/2026

Treaties are more than agreements made in the past — they are living commitments that continue to shape our relationships, communities, and responsibilities today.

This Treaties Recognition Week, we recognize the importance of understanding the treaties on the lands where we live, work, and learn. It is an opportunity to listen, learn, reflect, and deepen our understanding of the histories, rights, and ongoing contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

Reconciliation requires more than recognition. It calls for meaningful action, relationship-building, and an ongoing commitment to honouring treaty responsibilities.

Learn the history. Understand our responsibilities. Honour the commitments.

10/30/2026

Voting is open on November 6th and runs until November 16th. District 21 members will be casting 2 ballots: 1 Central and 1 Local. It is imperative that we have a high turnout delivering a strong strike mandate to both the Central and Local bargaining teams. Why is that? Great question, which we've answered below!

Strike votes provide members an opportunity to empower their local bargaining team. A high percentage of members in favour of a strike vote sends the message to the other Parties that we are ready to do everything we can to protect what we have and negotiate for the betterment of others (i.e., working conditions).

It has historically been necessary in our sector to support negotiations meaning that without a strong strike mandate, the government and OPSBA (now CODE) will not negotiate in a manner that is helpful to the membership, as a low percentage in favour of a strike vote would be viewed as a lack of support for negotiations to push for improvements from the membership.

While a successful strike vote technically authorizes potential strike action, it does so if it becomes necessary and does not mean that strike action would happen automatically. Typically, other job action precedes a full withdrawal of services or walkout strike and can pressure the government enough to negotiate quickly; however, this is not always this case.

Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF)

Just 7 days to go!

One week from today, OSSTF/FEESO members in the school board sector will begin casting their central strike votes.

This is the moment to send the government a strong message: members are united, members are ready, and members expect a fair deal that delivers for themselves, their colleagues, and their students.

A high turnout and a strong YES vote will give the bargaining team a strong mandate at the table.

And don't forget to take part in the test ballot! Log in, practise voting, and make sure you’re ready before the central vote opens November 6.

The test ballot closes tonight, October 30, at 9 p.m. ET.

10/29/2026

With our Provincial and Local Strike Votes occurring from November 6 - 16, join your colleagues for a free coffee/tea or bakery item to discuss the year ahead.

When: Tuesday November 3rd
Time: 2:30pm-5:00pm
Where: Crown and Press, 303 Ottawa Street North, Hamilton

Please register by Monday, November 2 at 4pm: https://tinyurl.com/yj3p5x3v

10/29/2026

New to OSSTF/FEESO?

Before the central strike vote opens on November 6, make sure you know how to cast your ballot and have your Member ID ready!

Check Bargaining Bulletin #13, listed as the October 21 bulletin, for your voting instructions: https://underfunded.ca/members/

10/27/2026

On Saturday, October 24 we joined 10 000 teachers, education workers, and allies who came together at Queen's Park in support of publicly funded education! It's beyond time for the Ford government to put their money where their mouth is. Thank you to everyone who attended a rally, regardless of whether it was in Toronto, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, London, or Sudbury.

10/26/2026

Remember to vote in your Municipal election today, and for candidates whose platforms promote protecting and supporting public education. Overall voter turnout for Hamilton for 2022 was only 35.38% - your vote matters!

Afterward, practice logging in and voting on the Provincial OSSTF test ballot so you’ll be ready to vote in the central strike vote between November 6-16th. The test ballot runs October 26–30. The test ballot does not count as your central strike vote, and everyone who participates will be entered into a draw for one of five $100 gift cards.

Starting today and over the next few weeks, local OSSTF Branch Executives will be hosting site meetings with Release Officers attending to relay information on the voting process, why it's essential that you cast your Central and Local ballots, and to answer members' questions.

10/22/2026

Due to low enrolment, the TPA Workshop has been rescheduled for December 2nd.

D21 T/OT members can register by emailing Brandie at [email protected] Registration closes November 27th.

Attending is free and refreshments will be provided. There is plenty of free parking onsite.

10/20/2026

We will be conducting our Central and Local strike votes simultaneously via the myOSSTF online voting centre from November 6 - 16. If you require your OSSTF Membership ID, you can complete this form: https://forms.gle/VgkLkJWRpkiHkPRa9

This is our chance to send a strong message at the bargaining table: members are united, members are paying attention, and members are ready to fight for the public education system Ontario's students deserve. A high turnout and a strong YES vote will give the Central and Local bargaining teams strong mandates at the table.

Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF)

🗳️ Get ready to vote!

members in the school board sector: your central strike vote runs November 6–16. You will need your Member ID to access the OSSTF/FEESO Voting Centre.

Want a convenient way to keep your Member ID handy?

Download your digital membership card: https://bit.ly/4jXLU1J

For any questions or issues, email Membership Database through our Contact Us page: https://bit.ly/4yQonEr

10/16/2026

Members will be able to cast ballots for both our Central and Local strike votes from November 6 - 16. All voting will occur online via Provincial OSSTF's website, in the secure myOSSTF section. To be able to participate, you will need to be able to login to the OSSTF/FEESO website: https://www.osstf.on.ca/Home/services/member-login/members-login

21 days to go.

In just three weeks, OSSTF/FEESO school board members will begin casting their strike votes.

This is our chance to send a strong message at the bargaining table: members are united, members are paying attention, and members are ready to fight for the public education system Ontario students deserve.

A high turnout and a strong YES vote will give the bargaining team a strong mandate at the table.

The central strike vote runs November 6–16.

10/16/2026

Thank you the Hamilton & District Labour Council for organizing today's rally in opposition to Bill C-39, and thank you to all those OSSTF D21 members who attended.