The union representing Ontario’s 83,000 public elementary school teachers, occasional teachers and educational professionals says it’ll hold member meetings this month and next to gauge the possibility of a general strike.

The president of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, Sam Hammond, says the union hopes to negotiate a new deal without any kind of labour disruption.

Key demands are expected to include more supports for students with complex needs, class sizes and protection of full-day kindergarten.

Contracts for teachers and education workers expired at the end of August.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce has said the government’s ”working very hard” to reach a deal and prevent a strike.