TORONTO, Ont. – Four powerful unions representing teachers and other education workers have come out against the province’s deal with Catholic teachers.

They claim the deal jeopardizes the education system.

Talks between the government and the teachers unions remain stalled.

Elementary Teachers Federation president Sam Hammond told 680News the OECTA deal demoralizing.

“It is simply not a good deal for students, parents or teachers.”

Hammond said he does not want to see an end to the past several years of peace and stability in the system.

“We have said since February the 22nd that we would not negotiate strips to our collective agreements that have taken decades to  negotiate.”

OSSTF president Ken Coran says the deal reminiscent of the Mike Harris days and that he is shocked by the process.

“This basically is a free for all in negotiations. We don’t like it,” said Coran. “(I am)Basically shocked, dismayed, disheartened, upset and on occasions angry with the way this whole labour relations process is unfolding.”

The union presidents say their teachers will show up for work in September however they are planning strike votes in late August through September.

The Catholic deal includes a two-year wage freeze and three unpaid professional development days.