WINDSOR

Ontario elementary teachers' union says talks with province have stalled

The Canadian Press Published Wednesday, October 16, 2019 4:26PM EDT Last Updated Wednesday, October 16, 2019 6:23PM EDT

Vacant desks are pictured at the front of a empty classroom is pictured at McGee Secondary school in Vancouver on Sept. 5, 2014. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward)

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TORONTO - Elementary school teachers in Ontario have asked for a conciliation officer to step in to resolve contract talks with the province.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario says bargaining with the Progressive Conservative government has reached a virtual standstill.

The teachers' contract expired on Aug. 31, but discussions with the government and school boards have been on-going since June.

The union says it hopes a conciliation officer will help all parties make progress in the talks and reach an agreement.

The ETFO has been holding strike vote meetings throughout the province since early September, and the union says the results will be announced in early November.

Earlier this week, the union representing public high school teachers said it would also be holding a strike vote.