English Catholic teachers hit picket lines across Ontario today – the first full withdrawal of services for that union.

Contract talks with the province have been suspended since just before Christmas.

On the O’Gorman High School picket line in Timmins, strike captain Shannon Michell said the issues of mandatory e-learning, class size and cuts to educational assistant support have to be resolved.  That’s why OECTA walked out of class.

Strike captain Shannon Michell. (Bob McIntyre, MyCochraneNow.com staff)

“Well, we want to be seen and want to be heard and these cuts hurt our kids and that’s why we’re out here,” she commented.  “We’re out here for them.  We’re here to reinforce their learning and we’re standing together on that.”

Michell is pleased with the show of support from motorists driving by the line on Jubilee Avenue.

“Tons. Lots of honks, waves, people stopping, windows down.  It’s been fantastic.  It really shows us that people are on our side.”

No contract talks have been held since just before Christmas.