Book Description

Focusing on the 1980 strike of public secondary school teachers in Sudbury, Ontario, this study examined attitudes of those involved; ascertained feelings toward the school system that may have emerged since the strike; and examined events, influences, and developments leading to the strike and prolonging the strike. The field study represented face-to-face interviews with 82 parents; questionnaires from 44 teachers; and 91 interviews with trustees, board of education officers, principals, vice principals, and community leaders. The field research data were augmented by a broad variety of documentation bearing on the strike. Findings suggested that financial considerations were the cause of the strike for the board, while economic concerns and job security were the major issues for the teachers. The factors precluding a settlement were the lack of pressure from parents for an end to the strike, the rigid position on each side of the bargaining table, and the unwise use of mass media as a public information forum. A number of other findings emerged concerning results of the strike, most of them negative. (Author/JM)