Landon Tulk, Dundas
Re: High School teachers’ strike vote may be more bark than bite, Oct. 4.
“Hamilton public high school teachers have voted 95 per cent in favour of strike action if necessary to back their contract demands.”
Teachers have come to the conclusion that a strike may be necessary to back their contract demands. Teachers have been stripped of their collective bargaining rights, and many are outraged by this “death of democracy.”
Although this may seem like a serious problem, did you know the average secondary school teacher makes about $83,543…$37,458 above the average Canadian salary.
Teachers are also benefited with life insurance, dental insurance, cumulative sick leave, compassionate sick leave, maternity leave and sabbatical and study leave.
When it comes down to it, teachers are earning far more than the average Canadian does, with holiday/sick days and benefits that will keep them alive forever. The fact that educators are lobbying for increased salaries, more taxpayer dollars for elementary schools and better benefits is unbelievable.
Therefore, for these reasons I strongly believe we, as students and parents residing in Ontario, should not support the teacher’s’ choice to strike against our government.
Dalton McGuinty has concurred that a strong way to eliminate the $14.8 billion deficit in Ontario, is by implementing restraints on the education sector of our province.
On Sept. 11 2012, royal assent was granted for Bill 115. This is the first of many positive actions towards reducing Ontario’s debt. If the Hamilton-Wentworth school board wants to argue and protest their loss of collective bargaining due to this bill, let it be.
But when taxes are raised and inflation increases don’t ask yourself what all our taxes are funding, because teachers, our nation-builders, have fought hard for better salaries, when we are all aware they are making far too much already.
I completely agree with Mr. Tulk, teachers in Ontario are paid far too much. Anyone who only works three hours a day and enjoys every single holiday off obviously should be paid far less than ‘real’ working people. I don’t know what they make at WalMart, but that would probably be about right. Maybe we could even outsource our education to China, and save some big bucks. We don’t need to waste money attracting highly qualified poeple, after all these people are just ‘playing’ with our kids all day… Thank god for informed voters like Mr Tulk to guide us. Oh by the way the average teacher salary is really about $40,000 per year, but that’s just details.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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I don’t think I’ll comment on your posterior, but here’s a link to a Globe and Mail article that suggests lower pay than Mr. Tulk suggests. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/teacher-pay-canada-near-the-top-of-the-oecd-class/article4541629/
Hot debate. What do you think?
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You get what you pay for, boys.
If you pay teachers like cashiers, then you are getting cashier quality teachers – good for cash work, but for raising our youth??? There is more to teach our kids than basic speed math and honesty.
Heck, doctors are paid way too much too! Let’s cut their pay in half and see the quality of doctors left in our province!
You get what you pay for, boys.
Hire a cheap lawyer while you’re at it – see if you win the case!
Ah, cheap home renovations! Yes, go for those too! Nickel and dime the guys even further! I guarantee good results!!!
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