TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 27, 2012) - The members of the Provincial School Authority Teachers (PSAT) Bargaining Unit of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) have voted 98% in favor of a strike mandate.

The contract between OSSTF/FEESO and the Provincial School Authority expired on August 31, and taking of strike vote is a normal part of the legal process recognized by the Ontario Labour Relations Act. PSAT represents teachers in Provincial Schools for the Deaf, Blind, Deaf/Blind, Adult Correction and Young Offender Facilities.

"The strength of our union has always been based on the support of our members," said Leslie Wolfe, Provincial Executive Officer with OSSTF/FEESO. "The message to the government from these members is clear -- our members are willing to fight for their democratic rights."

"I'm not surprised by the strong mandate shown by our members," said Giulio Schincariol, President of District 30 PSAT. "They are very frustrated and angry that this government has shown a lack of respect for our teachers and the important role they play in the education system."

OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.