After careful consideration, the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) and the Ontario Government, as co-sponsors of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), have agreed to temporarily increase the 50-day re-employment rule to 95 days for teachers, principals, and vice principals in the publicly funded school system until June 30, 2021.
As part of this agreement, school boards will be required to meet strict reporting measures to ensure this does not adversely impact existing occasional teachers and those at the beginning of their careers. While OTF does not expect that many retirees are interested in working in the current environment, this change may extend the number of days that some retirees choose to work. OTF does believe that more robust health and safety measures would not only help protect against potential teacher absences due to illness, but it would also encourage more occasional teachers to make themselves available to the publicly funded school system
“While we do not believe this change will have a significant impact on any teacher shortage, OTF has agreed to this temporary change in the spirit of cooperation during these challenging times,” states Parker Robinson, OTF President. “The Government of Ontario should commit to addressing any potential staff issues by making our schools safer places to work and learn. Their own medical experts advised them that appropriate social distancing and smaller class sizes would strengthen the return to school plan. These steps are needed. The students and educational workers of this province deserve nothing less!
A statement on the 50-day rule and OTF’s position is available at Time to set the record straight.