Nova Scotia teachers deliver strong strike mandate

HALIFAX, Oct 25 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Nova Scotia Teachers Union president Liette Doucet says public school teachers have given her a strong strike mandate.

In a province-wide electronic vote held today, more than 100 per cent of 9,300 public school members voted 96 per cent in favour of job action. Substitute teachers working today were eligible to vote, bringing the total vote count over 100 per cent.

"Public school teachers have spoken loud and clear," says NSTU president Liette Doucet. "We feel strongly about providing better education to Nova Scotia's students and are willing to take action to make meaningful change for the learning and teaching environment in this province."

Doucet says that teachers are looking for more quality time with students. "Teachers haven't been genuinely consulted in government decisions affecting classrooms and schools and as a result we are spending less time doing the things that matter most to students."

She also says free and fair collective bargaining and maintaining benefits are important. "With Bill 148, a negotiated benefit has been taken away, along with our ability to negotiate a fair and reasonable salary package. Teachers go above and beyond to ensure student needs are met, and we want to be valued and recognized by government for our contribution."

Under the Teachers' Collective Bargaining Act, public school members, who include classroom teachers, specialists, administrators, speech language pathologists, school counsellors and school psychologists will be in a legal strike position on December 3, 2016.

"Our provincial executive will be meeting to determine next steps around potential job action," says Doucet.

The last time we held a strike vote was on October 3, 2002. There has never been a province-wide strike of teachers in Nova Scotia.

SOURCE Nova Scotia Teachers Union

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