Due to persistent pandemic-related workforce shortages, Ontario will enable retired teachers to work more days.
The new agreement with the Ontario Teachers’ Federation allows retirees to work in the public school system for 95 days from now until the end of June, virtually doubling the previous maximum of 50 days.
School boards were hit by staff shortages before the Omicron variation pushed up absence rates, according to Education Minister Stephen Lecce in a statement.
He says the change will help run remote school and in-person learning when students return to classes.
Students have been learning remotely this month as the Omicron virus variant drives up infections, and the government has said in-person classes might resume as early as Jan. 17, but has not yet given a firm return date.
The Ontario Teachers’ Federation says it does not anticipate many retirees are interested in working “in the current environment” and says more measures should be taken to address the teacher shortage.
The announcement comes amid calls for greater transparency around actions taken to improve school safety amid the Omicron wave.
Source_ cp24.com
