Losing patience with Ford over education impasse

Re: 200,000 Ontario teachers strike in a ‘historic show of unity’ against Ford government, Feb. 21

Doug Ford claims he is losing patience with the teachers rotating strike. Let me say that I’m losing patience with the government’s approach to this labour dispute.

The government’s attempt at wedge politics is disappointing and disingenuous. This government has such a poor track record of implementing its policies (autism, legal aid, OPP commissioner, etc.), that one must wonder if it has any concept of what it is like to be on the front lines, despite the fact it claims to be a government for the people.

The issues pertaining to education are complex, yet its message to the public is simplistic, constantly talking about wages and time off.

Why the government always chooses fights with teachers while ignoring other segments of its work force is bewildering. Teachers get too much time off? Get over it. Shadow a teacher for any length of time and the premier and education minister will realize teachers do not punch in and out every day. Their hours are much more fluid.

Yes, teachers are well paid. Two per cent is simply keeping up with the cost of living. So again, get over it.

The move to e-learning is nothing more than a cynical ploy to undermine educators. E-learning has been attempted in the U.S. with some very questionable results.

The true benefits of a healthy education system are measured in the success rates of students transitioning from schools and universities to the workforce. And that should be the focus. Robert Chausse, St. Catharines