In the event of job action, such as a strike or work-to-rule, you and the vice-principal are the front-line representatives of board management. You owe a duty of loyalty to the board, and only the board. You should not make any statement or take any actions that could be construed or perceived as being contrary to the interests of the board.
- Follow board policy.
- Where there appears to be no policy or protocol, seek direction from the board prior to taking action.
- As a board representative, it is your duty to seek and carry out the board’s instruction.
- Where those instructions are given verbally, request written confirmation, e.g. email.
- If the board issues contingency plans and policies for the operation of the school during the job action, you must implement them in good faith, as part of the performance of your employment contract.
- If you have questions about how to handle disruptions at your school during a job action, speak to your supervisory officer. You can also contact the OPC.
(Source: OPC Professional Advice articles regarding job action in the schools, www.principals.ca)
Check the OPC website (www.principals.ca) for professional advice articles relating to job action in the schools. Many questions are addressed, including the three noted below.
- Under relevant statutes, what are my duties and responsibilities:
- during a work-to-rule?
- during a strike?
- Can a principal assign extra duties to teachers during a strike by another union?
What if other union employees refuse to cross the picket line?
Further Reading
Flynn, R.C. 2001. An Educator’s Guide to Employment Law. Aurora, ON: Aurora Professional Press.
Principal – Union Relations
Two questions addressed in an OPC Professional Advice article entitled “Principal and Union Relations” are:
- What will constitute “interference with a union?”
- What are the principals’ rights when a union president takes a group complaint about management style to the board?
Ideally, teachers should be encouraged to address complaints about the operation of the school to the principal directly, in the presence of their union representative if necessary
Where a complaint has been made to the board, principals should seek advice from OPC.
OPC Professional Advice Article: Principal and Union Relations
www.principals.ca