McGuinty stands by anti-strike law as teachers reject new contracts

TORONTO – Premier Dalton McGuinty is standing by his new anti-strike law, even though it appears to be preventing some teachers from accepting new contracts.

Some high school teachers have rejected tentative agreements reached with school boards, reportedly because they feel it’s being imposed by the governing Liberals.

It appears they may be holding out for a new Liberal leader to repeal the law, as some of the candidates running for McGuinty’s job have been critical of the legislation.

The law allows the government to stop strikes and lockouts, as well as impose a new agreement on teachers that would cut their benefits and freeze wages.

McGuinty says he’s not going to guess what the teachers are thinking, but he remains optimistic that other groups will accept their deals.

High school teachers in Niagara and York Region have rejected tentative agreements reached with their school boards, which were also approved by the education minister.