AVERAGE DAILY OT RATE CALCULATION

The recent arbitration decision regarding the compensation for the 2022-2026 Teacher and Occasional Teacher Collective Agreement, released on May 29, 2024, has brought clarity to the adjustment of daily OT rates. Chaired by Arbitrator William Kaplan, the Board of Arbitration has mandated an increase in all daily OT rates to align with a baseline average rate effective from September 1, 2024. This decision marks a significant step towards establishing a standardized OT rate across the province. Detailed discussions regarding the specific baseline rate have been redirected to the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) for further collaboration and resolution.

We are absolutely thrilled to share with you that ETFO and OPSBA have come to a successful conclusion regarding the calculation of the average daily Occasional Teacher (OT) rate. This is fantastic news for everyone involved and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude to all parties involved for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to finding a solution that benefits everyone. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to sharing more positive news with you in the future.

As a result, the following has been established:

1. Minimum Daily OT Rate: The minimum daily OT rate will be set at $274.90. This will be the baseline rate to which rate increases from September 1, 2024 onward will be applied.
2. 2024-25 Increase: A 2.75% increase will be applied to this rate, bringing it to $282.46 as of September 1, 2024.
3. 2025-26 Increase: A 2.5% increase will be applied, raising the minimum rate to $289.52 effective September 1, 2025.

Please note that any local with an existing rate higher than $274.90 will maintain that rate, ensuring that no member experiences a reduction in their current daily OT rate. For these locals, the September 1, 2024 wage increase of 2.75% will be applied to their August 31, 2024 rate and the September 1, 2025 wage increase will be applied to their August 31, 2025 rate.

Under the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, compensation is not payable until a fully ratified Collective Agreement (both central and local terms) is achieved. Therefore, in locals where local negotiations are ongoing, these increases will be applied once the local bargaining process is concluded.

Fair salary increases for Occasional Teachers play a pivotal role in recognizing and appreciating the significant contributions and dedication that Occasional Teachers bring to the educational landscape every day. By ensuring equitable compensation for your hard work, it not only demonstrates respect for your efforts, but also supports your professional growth and well-being. It is essential to prioritize fair remuneration for Occasional Teachers as a means of fostering a positive and sustainable teaching environment that values your expertise and commitment.