More than 3000 teachers and support staff bussed in from across Ontario today to rally for their collective bargaining rights this afternoon at Queen’s Park. The mood was jovial but distinctly anti-Liberal. The point of contention was government’s imposition of a contract to curtail their collective bargaining.

Brandishing signs declaring “The Liberal Party: Like a family pet that got rabies” and “Shame!”, some middle-aged teachers clad in 3/4 length pants and tank tops paraded up and down the park. There was a short address from Olivia Chow and musical portions; “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty and “Solidarity Forever” by Pete Seeger.

The McGuinty government imposed the wage-freezing legislation in an apparent effort to save the province $473 million. Teachers accused the politician of using them as pawns to curry political favor in the upcoming by-election.

The protest was distinctly teacher-ly; concluded by crisp instruction to board the busses in an orderly fashion and reminders to “take your garbage with you” and “return home safely.”

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