Education Matters Online
Feature

Volume 3, Issue 2: December 14, 2004

Dave Russell and I met with our OTIP representative recently to get updated on the status of the District 11 Long Term Disability cases. We learned some interesting things about trends over the last decade. Apparently, the number of LTD cases relating to mental and nervous disorders, including workplace stress, in Ontario had been steadily rising for most of the last decade. However last year, for the first time, there was an overall decline in the number of stress-related cases. It is interesting to note that this statistic also coincides with the defeat of the tory government and their relentless war on teachers and education workers.

That said, we are heading into the last week before the Christmas holidays when, typically, stress levels sometimes are elevated, and we have received some calls recently about members in conflict with each other and so I wanted to share some information with the membership in an effort to prevent or help solve conflicts in the workplace.

The OSSTF Constitution and Bylaws and Policies require professional conduct and respect among members.

The OSSTF Constitution, Bylaws and Policies are available online and it would be well worth every member’s while to read through the “Ethics” section in Bylaw 4 (pages 13-14) and the “Rights, Privileges and Duties of OSSTF Members” section in Bylaw 5 (pages 14-16).

ETH 3.3 says, “The member's professional conduct should be characterized by courtesy and good faith, and should imply the obligation to refrain from public criticism of the member's colleagues.”

Whether it be the relationship between members of the same bargaining unit, or between members of different employee groups, or between the member and administration, students or parents, it is always the best policy to treat each other with courtesy and respect. It is never all right to speak disparagingly of our fellow members or of other board employees. If these very simple principles are followed, we should be able to avoid conflicts.

Furthermore, the Teaching Profession Act Section 18 (1) (b) and OSSTF Bylaws 5.2.1.2 and 5.2.2 require a member who has made an “adverse report” about another member to administration to give a copy of that adverse report, in writing, to that member within 72 hours. This, of course, can be unpleasant and so it is much preferable to try to prevent situations from getting to that point.

The more daily “people contacts” one has, the higher the inherent stress level is. Because of this, we must be that much more aware of the potential for stress and seek ways to deal effectively with it. Rather than criticize members with different ways of doing things, or those with whom we disagree, it is much more constructive to actively seek ways of getting along and problem-solving with them.

The OSSTF motto, “Let us not take thought for our separate interests, but let us help one another,” and the OSSTF pledge sum it up best:
"I solemnly dedicate myself to promote and advance the cause of education.
I will strive to achieve and maintain the highest degree of professional competence and will always uphold the honour, dignity, and ethical standards of my profession.
I pledge my loyalty and support to the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation and will comply with the Constitution, Bylaws, Policies, and established practices which govern its members."

As members of OSSTF, we are responsible for fulfilling our professional obligations to the best of our ability and for working together for our students and for public education. We must support and help each other as colleagues.

This mentoring role is especially important for members with Positions of Added Responsibility. While members with Positions of Added Responsibility may assist members of their department with work performance and who may be having difficulty, it is important to note that this is a supportive, mentorship role only; not an evaluative one. Further information about this role can be found in the OSSTF Policy and Procedure Manual in Policy 2.3.3 (pages 1-2).

 

Let us not take thought for our separate interests, but let us help one another.
(OSSTF Motto)

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