jswizzle3737/ontario_laws_and_regs huggingface dataset:
Purpose of Act
2. The purpose of this Act is the furthering of harmonious relations between boards and teachers by providing for the making and renewing of agreements and by providing for the relations between boards and teachers in respect of agreements. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.2.
Application of Act
3. (1) This Act applies to all collective negotiations between boards and teachers in respect of any term or condition of employment put forward by either party for the purpose of making or renewing an agreement. Negotiations to be in accordance with Act (2) No such collective negotiations shall be carried on between a board and the teachers employed by the board except in accordance with this Act. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.3.
Joint negotiations
4. (1) In negotiations and procedures under this Act to make or renew an agreement or agreements, two or more boards may act jointly as a party and two or more branch affiliates may act jointly as a party, where both the boards and branch affiliates involved so agree, to make or renew an agreement between the boards and the branch affiliates or to make or renew a separate agreement between each of the boards and a branch affiliate that represents teachers employed by the board. Idem (2) A separate agreement between a board and a branch affiliate made pursuant to subsection (1) may include terms and conditions of employment in addition to and consistent with those terms and conditions which are part of the agreement between all the boards acting as a party and all the branch affiliates acting as a party. Branch affiliates may negotiate as one party (3) Despite subsection (1), two or more branch affiliates may act as one party in negotiations and procedures under this Act to make or renew an agreement or agreements with the same board. Agreements between individual boards and branch affiliates (4) Where two or more boards act jointly as a party and two or more branch affiliates act jointly as a party pursuant to subsection (1), any negotiations and proceedings and resulting agreement pursuant to subsection (2) between one of the boards and a branch affiliate shall be deemed to be part of the joint negotiations and agreement in accordance with subsection (1). Continuation of agreement to act jointly (5) A board or branch affiliate that agrees to act jointly with another board or branch affiliate pursuant to subsection (1), shall continue to act jointly with such other board or branch affiliate until an agreement is made or renewed between the parties. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.4.
Representation of teachers by branch affiliate
5. A branch affiliate shall, in negotiations and procedures under this Act, represent all the teachers composing its membership. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.5.
Negotiating group
6. In negotiations to make or renew an agreement, a party shall be represented by only one group of persons but may at any time increase, decrease or change the composition of the group. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.6.
Parties may obtain assistance
7. At any time during negotiations or procedures under this Act, (a) a board that is a party may obtain assistance from the Council, a member association or another board; (b) a branch affiliate that is a party may obtain assistance from the Federation, an affiliate or another branch affiliate; and (c) a party may obtain assistance from one or more advisors, agents, counsel or solicitors. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.7. PART II   NEGOTIATIONS
Subject-matter of negotiations
8. Negotiations shall be carried out in respect of any term or condition of employment put forward by either party. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.8.
Notice of desire to negotiate
9. Where there is no agreement in force between a board and a branch affiliate, the branch affiliate may give to the board or the board may give to the branch affiliate written notice of its desire to negotiate with the view to making an agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.9.
Notice of desire to negotiate for renewal of agreement
10. (1) Either party to an agreement may give written notice to the other party within the month of January in the year in which the agreement expires of its desire to negotiate with the view to the renewal, with or without modification, of the agreement then in operation. Where notice not given of desire to negotiate renewal of agreement (2) Where an agreement exists between a board or boards and a branch affiliate or branch affiliates and no party to the agreement gives notice in accordance with this Act of its desire to negotiate with the view to the renewal of the agreement, the agreement continues in operation and is renewed from year to year, with each yearly period expiring on the 31st day of August, until the year, if any, in which notice is given in accordance with this Act of desire to negotiate with the view to the renewal, with or without modification, of the agreement. Working conditions may not be altered (3) Where notice has been given of desire to negotiate to make or renew an agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement, other than a term or condition that prevents a strike, that was in force at the time of giving the notice shall not be altered until either, (a) an agreement or a new agreement comes into force or the agreement is renewed, as the case may be; or (b) subject to subsection 27(2) and subsection 68(5), sixty days have elapsed after the Commission has made public the report of the fact finder as provided in section 26, whichever first occurs. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.10.
Obligation to negotiate
11. The parties shall meet within thirty days from the giving of the notice and they shall negotiate in good faith and make every reasonable effort to make an agreement or to renew the agreement, as the case requires. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.11.
Parties may choose procedures to reach agreement
12. (1) The parties, at any time during negotiations to make or renew an agreement, may agree to, (a) request the Commission to assign a person to assist the parties to make or renew the agreement; (b) request the Commission to appoint a fact finder as provided in Part III; or (c) refer all matters remaining in dispute between them that may be provided for in an agreement to, (i) an arbitrator or a board of arbitration for determination as provided in Part IV, or (ii) a selector for determination as provided in Part V. Effect of choice of procedure (2) Where the parties refer all matters remaining in dispute between them to an arbitrator or a board of arbitration or to a selector pursuant to clause (1)(c), no teacher who is a member of a branch affiliate that is a party shall engage in a strike against the board that is a party and the board shall not lock out or declare a state of lock-out to exist against members of the branch affiliate that is a party. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.12.
Where Commission may assign person to assist parties
13. The Commission may, in the exercise of its own discretion, at any time assign a person to assist the parties to make or renew an agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.13. PART III   FACT FINDING
Appointment of fact finder
14. The Commission shall appoint forthwith a person as a fact finder during negotiations to make or renew an agreement if the parties have not referred all matters remaining in dispute between them to an arbitrator or board of arbitration as provided in Part IV or a selector as provided in Part V and, (a) one or both of the parties gives notice to the Commission that an impasse has been reached in the negotiations and requests the appointment of a fact finder, and the Commission approves the request; (b) the Commission is of the opinion that an impasse has been reached in the negotiations; or (c) the agreement that was in operation in respect of the parties expires during negotiations between the parties to make or renew an agreement, and fact finding has not taken place as provided in this Part. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.14.
Parties may proceed to make agreement or to arbitration or selection procedure
15. The parties to negotiations to make or renew an agreement may, despite the appointment of a fact finder, (a) make or renew the agreement; or (b) agree to refer all matters remaining in dispute between them to, (i) an arbitrator or a board of arbitration for determination as provided in Part IV, or (ii) a selector for determination as provided in Part V, and upon the giving of notice to the Commission by the parties that they have so acted, the appointment of the fact finder is terminated. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.15.
Persons prohibited as fact finder
16. No person shall be appointed a fact finder who has a direct pecuniary interest in the matters coming before him or her or who is acting or has, within the period of six months immediately before the date of his or her appointment, acted as solicitor, counsel, negotiator, advisor or agent of either of the parties, but no person shall be deemed to have a direct pecuniary interest by reason only of being a ratepayer within the area of jurisdiction of the board that is a party. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.16.
Vacancy
17. Where a fact finder ceases to act by reason of withdrawal, death or otherwise before submitting his or her report to the Commission, the Commission shall appoint another person in the fact finder’s stead and such person shall commence the work of the fact finder anew. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.17.
Notice of appointment of fact finder
18. Where the Commission appoints a fact finder, the Commission shall give written notice to each of the parties of the appointment of and the name and address of the fact finder. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.18.
Notice of matters agreed upon and matters in dispute
19. (1) Within seven days after the receipt of notice from the Commission of the appointment of the fact finder, each party shall give written notice to the fact finder and to the other party setting out all the matters that the parties have agreed upon for inclusion in an agreement and all the matters remaining in dispute between the parties. Where notice not given (2) Where a party fails to comply with subsection (1), the fact finder may make a determination of the matters mentioned in subsection (1) and may then proceed pursuant to this Part. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.19.
Duty of fact finder
20. (1) It is the duty of a fact finder to confer with the parties and to inquire into, ascertain and make a report setting out the matters agreed upon by the parties for inclusion in an agreement and the matters remaining in dispute between the parties. What report may contain (2) A fact finder may, in his or her report, include findings in respect of any matter that he or she considers relevant to the making of an agreement between the parties and recommend terms of settlement of the matters remaining in dispute between the parties. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.20.
Matters that may be considered by fact finder
21. In inquiring into and ascertaining the matters remaining in dispute between the parties, the fact finder may inquire into and consider any matter that the fact finder considers relevant to the making of an agreement between the parties including, without limiting the foregoing, (a) the conditions of employment in occupations outside the public teaching sector; (b) the effect of geographic or other local factors on the terms and conditions of employment; (c) the cost to the board of the proposal of either party; (d) the interests and welfare of the public. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.21.
Procedure of fact finder
22. The fact finder shall determine his or her own procedure under guidelines established by the Commission and, where the fact finder requests information from a party, the party shall provide the fact finder with full and complete information. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.22.
Submission of report of fact finder
23. The fact finder shall submit his or her report to the Commission within thirty days after the date of his or her appointment or within such longer period of time as the Commission, with the agreement of the parties, may direct and the Commission shall forthwith give a copy of the report to each of the parties. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.23.
Report not binding
24. The report of the fact finder is not binding on the parties but is made for the advice and guidance of the parties and upon receipt of the report the parties shall endeavour, in good faith, to make an agreement or to renew the agreement, as the case may be. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.24.
Assignment of assistance
25. (1) Where the Commission has given a copy of the report of the fact finder to each of the parties and the Commission is of the opinion that the parties will or are likely to benefit from assistance, the Commission may assign a person to assist the parties to make or renew, as the case may be, the agreement. Idem (2) Where the Commission has given a copy of the report of the fact finder to each of the parties and both of the parties request assistance from the Commission, the Commission shall assign a person to assist the parties to make or renew, as the case may be, the agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.25.
Where report confidential
26. (1) If the parties make or renew, as the case may be, an agreement within fifteen days after the Commission has given a copy of the report to each of the parties, the report shall not be made public by the Commission, either of the parties or by any person. Release of report (2) If the parties do not make an agreement, or renew the agreement, as the case may be, within the period of time specified in subsection (1), the Commission shall make public the report of the fact finder. Deferral of release (3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), where both parties agree and the Commission approves, the Commission may defer making public the report of the fact finder for an additional period of not more than five days. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.26.
Parties may agree to refer matters in dispute
27. (1) If the parties do not make or renew, as the case may be, an agreement within fifteen days after the Commission has given a copy of the report of the fact finder to each of the parties, the parties may agree to refer all matters in dispute between them that may be provided for in an agreement to, (a) an arbitrator or a board of arbitration for determination as provided in Part IV; or (b) a selector for determination as provided in Part V. Effect of choice of procedure (2) Where, pursuant to subsection (1), the parties refer all matters remaining in dispute between them that may be provided for in an agreement to an arbitrator or a board of arbitration or refer all such matters to a selector and either of the parties submits its final offer to the selector, (a) the terms of the agreement, if any, in force between the parties at the time of the giving of notice of desire to negotiate pursuant to subsection 10(1) or (2), shall not be altered until an agreement is made or renewed between the parties; and (b) no teacher who is a member of a branch affiliate that is a party shall engage in a strike against the board that is a party and the board shall not lock out or declare a state of lock-out to exist against members of the branch affiliate that is a party. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.27. PART IV   VOLUNTARY BINDING ARBITRATION
Parties to give notice to Commission where arbitration agreed upon
28. (1) Where the parties agree to refer all matters remaining in dispute between them that may be provided for in an agreement to an arbitrator or a board of arbitration, the parties shall jointly give written notice to the Commission that they have so agreed and the notice shall state, (a) that the parties agree to refer the matters to an arbitrator and, (i) the date of appointment and the name and address of the arbitrator, or (ii) that the parties have not appointed the arbitrator and that the parties request the Commission to appoint the arbitrator; or (b) that the parties agree to refer the matters to a board of arbitration and, (i) that the parties have each appointed a person as a member of the board of arbitration and shall set out the names and addresses of the two members so appointed, or (ii) that both of the parties or one of them, as the case may be, has not appointed a person as a member of the board of arbitration and that the parties request the Commission to appoint the members or member, as the case may be, of the board, and the notice shall state that the decision of the arbitrator or board of arbitration will be accepted by the parties as binding upon them. Parties not to withdraw (2) Except as provided in section 56, a party shall not withdraw from arbitration proceedings under this Part after notice is given to the Commission in accordance with subsection (1). Where appointments made by Commission (3) Where the parties, in the notice mentioned in subsection (1), request the Commission to appoint the arbitrator or the members or one of the members of the board of arbitration, the Commission shall make the appointment or appointments and shall forthwith thereafter give notice thereof to the parties setting out the name and address of the appointee or the names and addresses of the appointees, as the case may be, together with the date of the appointment or appointments. Appointment of chair by members (4) Where the parties agree to refer all matters remaining in dispute between them to a board of arbitration, the two members of the board of arbitration shall, within ten days after the giving of notice of their appointment by the parties or by the Commission, as the case may be, appoint a third person to be chair of the board of arbitration and the chair shall forthwith give written notice to the Commission of his or her appointment. Where Commission to appoint chair (5) Where the two members of the board of arbitration are unable to appoint or to agree on the appointment of the chair of the board of arbitration within the period of time set out in subsection (4), the Commission shall appoint the chair and shall give notice of the appointment to the two members and to the parties and the notice shall set out the name and address of the person appointed and the date of the appointment. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.28.
Persons prohibited as arbitrator or members or chair of board of arbitration
29. No person shall be appointed an arbitrator or member or chair of a board of arbitration who has a direct pecuniary interest in the matters coming before him or her or who is acting or has, within the period of six months immediately before the date of his or her appointment, acted as solicitor, counsel, negotiator, advisor or agent of either of the parties, but no person shall be deemed to have a direct pecuniary interest by reason only of being a ratepayer within the area of jurisdiction of the board that is a party. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.29.
Vacancy
30. (1) Where a member of a board of arbitration is unable to enter on or to carry on his or her duties so as to enable a decision to be rendered within the period of time required by subsection (2) or ceases to act by reason of withdrawal or death before the board of arbitration has completed its work, a replacement shall be appointed by the body that appointed the member, and the board of arbitration shall continue to function as if such member were a member of the board of arbitration from the beginning. Where chair unable to act (2) Where the chair of a board of arbitration is unable to enter on or to carry on his or her duties so as to enable a decision to be rendered within sixty days after his or her appointment or within such longer period of time as may be provided in writing by the board of arbitration and consented to by the Commission or ceases to act by reason of withdrawal or death, the Commission shall give notice thereof to the members of the board of arbitration who shall within seven days of the giving of the notice appoint a person to be the chair and if the appointment is not so made by the members it shall be made by the Commission, and after the chair is appointed the arbitration shall begin anew. Where arbitrator unable to act (3) Where an arbitrator is unable to enter on or to carry on his or her duties so as to enable a decision to be rendered within sixty days after his or her appointment or within such longer period of time as may be provided in writing by the arbitrator and consented to by the Commission or ceases to act by reason of withdrawal or death, the Commission shall give notice thereof to the parties who shall within seven days of the giving of the notice appoint a person to be the arbitrator and if the appointment is not so made it shall be made by the Commission and after the arbitrator is appointed the arbitration shall begin anew. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.30.
Notice of matters agreed upon and matters in dispute
31. Within seven days after the giving of notice that the arbitrator or the chair of the board of arbitration, as the case may be, has been appointed, each party shall give written notice to the arbitrator or chair and to the other party setting out all the matters that the parties have agreed upon for inclusion in an agreement and all the matters remaining in dispute between the parties. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.31.
Procedure
32. (1) The arbitrator or board of arbitration shall determine his, her or its own procedure but shall give full opportunity to the parties to present their evidence and make their submissions. Idem (2) If the members of a board of arbitration are unable to agree among themselves on matters of procedure or as to the admissibility of evidence, the decision of the chair governs. Decision (3) The decision of a majority of a board of arbitration is the decision of the board, but if there is no majority, the decision of the chair is the decision of the board. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.32.
Powers of arbitrator or board of arbitration
33. (1) The arbitrator or board of arbitration has power, (a) to summon any person, (i) to give oral or written evidence on oath or affirmation to the arbitrator or board of arbitration, or (ii) to produce in evidence for the arbitrator or board of arbitration such documents and other things as the arbitrator or board of arbitration may specify; (b) to administer oaths and affirmations; (c) to accept for or exclude from consideration any oral testimony, document or other thing, whether admissible in a court of law or not. Stated case for contempt for failure to attend, etc. (2) Where any person without lawful excuse, (a) on being duly summoned under subsection (1) as a witness before the arbitrator or board of arbitration, as the case may be, makes default in so attending; (b) being in attendance as a witness before the arbitrator or board of arbitration, as the case may be, refuses to take an oath or to make an affirmation legally required by the arbitrator or board of arbitration to be taken or made, or to produce any document or thing in his or her power or control legally required by the arbitrator or board of arbitration to be produced, or to answer any question to which the arbitrator or board of arbitration may legally require an answer; or (c) does any other thing that would, if the arbitrator or board of arbitration had been a court of law having power to commit for contempt, have been contempt of that court, the arbitrator or board of arbitration may state a case to the Divisional Court setting out the facts and that court may, on the application of the arbitrator or board of arbitration, inquire into the matter and, after hearing any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of that person and after hearing any statement that may be offered in defence, punish or take steps for the punishment of that person in like manner as if the person had been guilty of contempt of the court. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.33.
Duty of arbitrator or board of arbitration
34. (1) The arbitrator or board of arbitration shall inquire into, consider and decide on all matters remaining in dispute between the parties. Matters that may be considered by arbitrator or board of arbitration (2) In the conduct of proceedings and in reaching a decision in respect of a matter in dispute, the arbitrator or board of arbitration may inquire into and consider any matter that the arbitrator or board of arbitration considers relevant to the making of an agreement between the parties. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.2, s. 34.
Time for report of arbitrator or board of arbitration
35. (1) The arbitrator or board of arbitration shall complete the consideration of all matters in dispute between the parties and shall report in writing the decision of the arbitrator or board of arbitration on the matters to the parties and to the Commission within sixty days after the giving of notice of the appointment of the arbitrator or of the appointment of the chair of the board of arbitration, as the case may be, or within such longer period of time as may be provided in writing by the arbitrator or board of arbitration and consented to by the Commission. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.2, s. 35 (1). Criteria (1.1) In making a decision or award, the arbitrator or board of arbitration shall take into consideration all factors it considers relevant, including the following criteria: 1. The employer’s ability to pay in light of its fiscal situation. 2. The extent to which services may have to be reduced, in light of the decision or award, if current funding and taxation levels are not increased. 3. The economic situation in Ontario and in the municipality or municipalities served by the board. 4. A comparison, as between the employees and other comparable employees in the public and private sectors, of the terms and conditions of employment and the nature of the work performed. 5. The employer’s ability to attract and retain qualified employees. Transition (1.2) Subsection (1.1) does not apply if, on or before the day the Savings and Restructuring Act, 1996 receives Royal Assent, (a) an oral or electronic hearing has begun; or (b) the arbitrator or board of arbitration has received all the submissions, if no oral or electronic hearing is held. Restriction (1.3) Nothing in subsection (1.1) affects the powers of the arbitrator or board of arbitration. 1996, c. 1, Sched. Q, s. 5 (1). Effect of decision (2) The decision of the arbitrator or board of arbitration is binding upon the parties and they shall comply in good faith with the decision. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.2, s. 35 (2).
Preparation and execution of document by parties
36. (1) Within thirty days after receipt by the parties of the report of the arbitrator or board of arbitration, as the case may be, the parties shall prepare a document giving effect to all matters agreed upon by the parties and the decision of the arbitrator or board of arbitration and shall execute the document and thereupon it constitutes an agreement. Where arbitrator or board of arbitration to prepare document (2) If the parties fail to execute the document within the period of time mentioned in subsection (1), the arbitrator or board of arbitration, as the case may be, shall prepare the document and submit it to the parties and shall fix the time within which and the place where the parties shall execute the document. Failure to execute document (3) If the parties or either of them fail to execute the document within the time fixed by the arbitrator or the board of arbitration, the document shall be deemed to be in effect as though it had been executed by the parties and the document thereupon constitutes an agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.36. PART V   FINAL OFFER SELECTION
Parties to give notice to Commission where selection agreed upon
37. (1) Where the parties agree to refer all matters remaining in dispute between them that may be provided for in an agreement to a selector, the parties shall jointly give written notice to the Commission that they have so agreed and the notice shall state that the parties agree to refer the matters to a selector and, (a) the date of appointment and the name and address of the selector; or (b) that the parties have not appointed the selector and that the parties request the Commission to appoint the selector. Statement by parties (2) The parties shall, together with the notice mentioned in subsection (1), give to the Commission a written statement signed by the parties setting out that neither party will withdraw from the proceedings after the final offers of the parties have been submitted to the selector and that the decision of the selector will be accepted by the parties as binding upon them. Parties not to withdraw (3) Except as provided in section 56, where the parties give to the Commission a written statement in accordance with subsection (2), a party shall not withdraw from the proceedings after the final offer of either of the parties has been submitted to the selector. Where Commission appoints selector (4) Where the parties request the Commission to appoint the selector, the Commission shall make the appointment and give notice of the appointment of the selector to the parties and the notice shall set out the name and address of the person appointed and the date of the appointment. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.37.
Persons prohibited as selector
38. No person shall be appointed a selector who has a direct pecuniary interest in the matters coming before him or her or who is acting or has, within the period of six months immediately before the date of his or her appointment, acted as solicitor, counsel, negotiator, advisor or agent of either of the parties, but no person shall be deemed to have a direct pecuniary interest by reason only of being a ratepayer within the area of jurisdiction of the board that is a party. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.38.
Selector unable to act
39. Where a selector is unable to enter on or to carry on his or her duties so as to enable a decision to be rendered within the time specified by this Act or such longer period of time as may be provided in writing by the selector and consented to by the Commission or ceases to act by reason of withdrawal or death, the Commission shall give notice thereof to the parties who shall within seven days of the giving of the notice appoint a person to be the selector, and if the appointment is not so made by the parties it shall be made by the Commission, and after the selector is appointed, the selection procedure shall begin anew. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.39.
Notice of matters agreed upon and matters in dispute
40. Within seven days after the giving of notice that the selector has been appointed, the parties shall jointly give written notice to the selector setting out all matters that the parties have agreed upon for inclusion in an agreement and all the matters remaining in dispute between the parties. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.40.
Notice of final offer
41. Within fifteen days after the giving of notice that the selector has been appointed, each party shall give written notice to the selector setting out the final offer of the party on all the matters remaining in dispute between the parties and may submit with the notice a written statement in support of the final offer set out in the notice. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.41.
Final offer of opposite party
42. Upon receiving the notices of the parties setting out the final offer of each party, the selector shall forthwith give to each party a copy of the notice setting out the final offer of the opposite party on all the matters remaining in dispute between the parties together with a copy of the statement, if any, of the opposite party submitted in support of the final offer of the opposite party. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.42.
Written response
43. Each party may, within ten days after being given a copy of the final offer and supporting statement, if any, of the opposite party, give to the selector a written reply and the selector shall forthwith give a copy of the reply of each party to the opposite party. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.43.
Hearing
44. Within fifteen days after each party has been given a copy of the final offer and supporting statement, if any, of the opposite party, or within such longer period of time as may be provided in writing by the selector and consented to by the Commission, the selector shall hold a hearing in respect of the matters remaining in dispute between the parties and may, before making a selection, hold a further hearing or hearings. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.44.
Parties may dispense with hearing
45. The parties may agree to dispense with a hearing by the selector and in such case may jointly give written notice to the selector that they have so agreed, and the selector, upon receipt of the notice, shall not hold a hearing but shall proceed to his or her decision. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.45.
Procedure
46. (1) The selector shall determine his or her own procedure but, in holding a hearing, shall give full opportunity to the parties to present their evidence and make their submissions. Powers of selector (2) The selector has power, (a) to summon any person, (i) to give oral or written evidence on oath or affirmation to the selector, or (ii) to produce in evidence for the selector such documents and other things as the selector may specify; (b) to administer oaths and affirmations; (c) to accept for or exclude from consideration any oral testimony, document or other thing, whether admissible in a court of law or not. Stated case for contempt for failure to attend, etc. (3) Where any person without lawful excuse, (a) on being duly summoned under subsection (2) as a witness before the selector makes default in so attending; (b) being in attendance as a witness before the selector, refuses to take an oath or to make an affirmation legally required by the selector to be taken or made, or to produce any document or thing in his or her power or control legally required by the selector to be produced, or to answer any question to which the selector may legally require an answer; or (c) does any other thing that would, if the selector had been a court of law having power to commit for contempt, have been contempt of that court, the selector may state a case to the Divisional Court setting out the facts and that court may, on the application of the selector, inquire into the matter and, after hearing any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of that person and after hearing any statement that may be offered in defence, punish or take steps for the punishment of that person in like manner as if the person had been guilty of contempt of the court. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.46.
Selection of final offer
47. (1) The selector shall, within fifteen days after the conclusion of the hearing or hearings or within fifteen days after the giving of the notice by the parties that they have agreed to dispense with a hearing, as the case may be, or within such longer period of time as may be provided in writing by the selector and consented to by the Commission, make a decision selecting all of one of the final offers on all matters remaining in dispute between the parties given to the selector by one or the other of the parties. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.47. Criteria (2) In making a decision, the selector shall take into consideration all factors he or she considers relevant, including the following criteria: 1. The employer’s ability to pay in light of its fiscal situation. 2. The extent to which services may have to be reduced, in light of the decision, if current funding and taxation levels are not increased. 3. The economic situation in Ontario and in the municipality or municipalities served by the board. 4. A comparison, as between the employees and other comparable employees in the public and private sectors, of the terms and conditions of employment and the nature of the work performed. 5. The employer’s ability to attract and retain qualified employees. Transition (3) Subsection (2) does not apply if, on or before the day the Savings and Restructuring Act, 1996 receives Royal Assent, (a) an oral or electronic hearing has begun; or (b) the selector has received all the submissions, if no oral or electronic hearing is held. Restriction (4) Nothing in subsection (2) affects the powers of the selector. 1996, c. 1, Sched. Q, s. 5 (2).
Effect of decision
48. The decision of the selector is binding upon the parties and they shall comply in good faith with the decision. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.48.
Preparation and execution of document by parties
49. (1) Within thirty days after receipt of notice of the decision of the selector, the parties shall prepare a document giving effect to all matters agreed upon by the parties and the decision of the selector and shall execute the document and thereupon it constitutes an agreement. Where selector to prepare document (2) If the parties fail to execute the document within the period of time mentioned in subsection (1), the selector shall prepare the document and submit it to the parties and shall fix the time within which and the place where the parties shall execute the document. Failure to execute document (3) If the parties or either of them fail to execute the document within the time fixed by the selector, the document shall be deemed to be in effect as though it had been executed by the parties and the document thereupon constitutes an agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.49. PART VI   AGREEMENTS
Term of agreement
50. Every agreement shall, (a) provide for a term of operation of not less than one year; (b) state that it is effective on and after the 1st day of September in the year in which it is to come into operation; and (c) state that it expires on the 31st day of August in the year in which it ceases to operate. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.50.
Conflict
51. (1) Where a conflict appears between a provision of an agreement and a provision of an Act or regulation, the provision of the Act or regulation prevails. Application of Constitution Act, 1867 (2) The provisions of this Act shall not be construed as to prejudicially affect the rights and privileges with respect to the employment of teachers enjoyed by Roman Catholic and Protestant separate school boards under the Constitution Act, 1867. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.51.
Resolution of matters arising out of agreement
52. (1) Unless an agreement otherwise provides for the final and binding settlement of all differences between the parties arising from the interpretation, application, administration or alleged contravention of the agreement, the agreement is deemed to include a provision to the following effect: Where a difference arises between the parties relating to the interpretation, application or administration of this agreement, or where an allegation is made that this agreement has been contravened, either of the parties may, after exhausting any grievance procedure established by this agreement, notify the other party in writing of its desire to submit the difference or allegation to arbitration and the notice shall contain the name of the first party’s appointee to an arbitration board. The recipient of the notice shall within five days inform the other party either that it accepts the other party’s appointee as a single arbitrator or inform the other party of the name of its appointee to the arbitration board. Where two appointees are so selected they shall, within five days of the appointment of the second of them, appoint a third person who shall be the chair. If the recipient of the notice fails to appoint an arbitrator or if the two appointees fail to agree upon a chair within the time limited, the appointment shall be made by the Commission upon the request of either party. The single arbitrator or the arbitration board, as the case may be, shall hear and determine the difference or allegation and shall issue a decision and the decision is final and binding upon the parties and upon any employee or employer affected by it. The decision of a majority is the decision of the arbitration board, but, if there is no majority, the decision of the chair governs. The arbitrator or arbitration board, as the case may be, shall not by his, her or its decision add to, delete from, modify or otherwise amend the provisions of this agreement. Enforcement of arbitration decision (2) Where a party or a teacher fails to comply with any of the terms of a decision of an arbitrator or arbitration board, any party or any teacher affected by the decision may file with the Ontario Court (General Division) a copy of the decision of the arbitrator or arbitration board, exclusive of the reasons therefor and certified by the arbitrator or the chair of the arbitration board to be a true copy of the decision, whereupon the decision shall be entered in the same way as an order of that court and is enforceable as such. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.52.
Provision against strikes and lock-outs
53.  Every agreement shall be deemed to provide that there will be no strike or lock-out during the term of the agreement or of any renewal of the agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.53.
Agreement to form part of contract of employment
54. (1) An agreement between a board and a branch affiliate shall be deemed to form part of the contract of employment between the board and each teacher who is a member of the branch affiliate. Conflict (2) Where a conflict appears between a provision of any other part of a contract of employment and a provision of the agreement referred to in subsection (1), the provision of the agreement prevails, but no agreement shall conflict with the form of contract prescribed by the regulations under the Education Act. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.54.
Notice of agreement
55. Where the parties agree on all the matters to be included in an agreement, whether during or at the conclusion of negotiations or other proceedings under this Act, the chief executive officer of the board or of each of the boards, as the case may be, that is a party shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Commission. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.55.
Where agreement reached
56. Where the parties agree on all the matters to be included in an agreement, whether during or at the conclusion of negotiations or other proceedings under this Act, they shall prepare a document incorporating all the matters agreed upon and shall execute the document and the document thereupon constitutes an agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.56.
Notice to Commission of execution of agreement
57. Upon the execution of an agreement, each party to the agreement shall forthwith give notice thereof, together with a copy of the agreement, to the Commission. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.57.
Binding effect of agreement
58. An agreement is binding upon the board and upon the branch affiliate that is a party to it and upon the teachers employed by the board who are members of the branch affiliate. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.58. PART VII   EDUCATION RELATIONS COMMISSION
Commission continued
59. (1) The Education Relations Commission is continued under the name Education Relations Commission in English and Commission des relations de travail en éducation in French. Composition (2) The Commission shall be composed of five persons who shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Chair and vice-chair (3) The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall designate a chair and a vice-chair from among the members of the Commission. Acting chair (4) In the case of the absence or inability to act of the chair or of there being a vacancy in the office of the chair, the vice-chair shall act as and have all the powers of the chair and in the absence of the chair and vice-chair from any meeting of the Commission, the members of the Commission present at the meeting shall appoint an acting chair who shall act as and have all the powers of the chair during the meeting. Term of office (5) The members of the Commission shall be appointed for a term of one, two or three years so that as nearly as possible one-third of the members shall retire each year. Vacancy (6) Every vacancy on the Commission caused by the death, resignation or incapacity of a member may be filled by the appointment by the Lieutenant Governor in Council of a person to hold office for the remainder of the term of such member. Reappointment (7) Each of the members of the Commission is eligible for reappointment upon the expiration of his or her term of office. Quorum (8) Three members of the Commission constitute a quorum and are sufficient for the exercise of all the authority of the Commission. Exercising powers (9) The powers of the Commission shall be exercised by resolution and the Commission may pass resolutions governing the calling of and the proceedings at meetings and specifying the powers and duties of employees of the Commission and generally dealing with the carrying out of its duties. Remuneration (10) The members of the Commission shall be paid such remuneration and expenses as are determined by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Employees (11) Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Commission may, (a) establish job classifications, salary ranges and terms and conditions of employment for its employees; and (b) appoint and pay such employees as are considered proper. Pension plan (12) The Commission shall be deemed to have been designated by the Lieutenant Governor in Council under the Public Service Pension Act as a commission whose permanent employees are required to be members of the Public Service Pension Plan. Professional and other assistance (13) The Commission may engage persons other than those employed pursuant to subsection (11) to provide professional, technical or other assistance to or on behalf of the Commission, and may prescribe the terms of engagement and provide for payment of the remuneration and expenses of such persons. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.59.
Duties of Commission
60. (1) It is the duty of the Commission, (a) to carry out the duties imposed on it by this Act and such other functions as may, in the opinion of the Commission, be necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of this Act; (b) to maintain an awareness of negotiations between teachers and boards; (c) to compile statistical information on the supply, distribution, professional activities and salaries of teachers; (d) to provide such assistance to parties as may facilitate the making or renewing of agreements; (e) to select and, where necessary, to train persons who may act as mediators, fact finders, arbitrators or selectors; (f) to determine, at the request of either party or in the exercise of its discretion, whether or not either of the parties is or was negotiating in good faith and making every reasonable effort to make or renew an agreement; (g) to determine the manner of conducting and to supervise votes by secret ballot pursuant to this Act; and (h) to advise the Lieutenant Governor in Council when, in the opinion of the Commission, the continuance of a strike, lock-out or closing of a school or schools will place in jeopardy the successful completion of courses of study by the students affected by the strike, lock-out or closing of the school or schools. Provision of information (2) The Commission may request a board to provide information necessary to compile the statistical information referred to in subsection (1) and a board shall comply with such a request within a reasonable period of time. Annual report (3) The Commission shall annually prepare a report on the affairs of the Commission for the preceding year and the report shall be tabled in the Legislature. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.60.
Testimony by member of Commission
61. No member of the Commission shall be required to give testimony in any proceeding under this Act with regard to information obtained in the discharge of his or her duties as a member of the Commission. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.61.
Money
62. The money required for the purposes of the Commission shall be paid out of the money appropriated therefor by the Legislature. R.S.O. 1990, c.S.2, s.62. PART VIII   STRIKES AND LOCK-OUTS