Thousands of teachers in Ontario strike to protest legislation

Hundreds of public elementary schools in Toronto were closed on the so-called "Super Tuesday", when nearly half of the province's elementary teachers walked picket lines to protest a controversial legislation. It's part of an ongoing labor dispute between teachers and the Canadian province of Ontario over the Putting Children First Act or Bill 115, which prevents them from striking and imposes a wage freeze. Teachers held protests outside schools, Toronto District School Board (TDSB) headquarters, the Ministry of Education and in a number of locations across the city on Tuesday, calling on the province to repeal the "draconian" bill. Ontario Education Minister Laurel Broten and Premier Dalton McGuinty have said that they would not block the one-day strikes. Unions have been told they have until Dec. 31 to reach collective agreements with local school boards. If they don't, the government will impose a deal that will freeze their wages and cut back benefits. Sam Hammond, president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), said if that happens, they will hold a massive one-day political protest in the New Year. The strikes left hundreds of schools closed and classes canceled for more than 320000 students across the province.