NSTU calls for binding arbitration in College dispute

HALIFAX , Oct. 8 /CNW/ - The Nova Scotia Teachers Union is calling upon the Community College and Minister of Education to agree to binding arbitration to settle outstanding issues between the College and its faculty and professional support employees.

"Binding arbitration will allow the parties to reach a negotiated settlement without resorting to a strike," says NSTU President Alexis Allen .

"But," Allen notes, "the NSTU is not putting all its eggs in one basket." During a conference call Thursday evening, the NSTU provincial executive set Tuesday, October 20 as the strike date.

"As the Deputy Premier suggested this morning, we are looking for every way to resolve the issues at the table without resorting to a strike that no one wants," says Allen. "It has never been our intent to disrupt the education of 25,000 students and impact the economic viability of the Nova Scotia Community College. We just want a fair and equitable settlement for our members-however that can be achieved."

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union and Community College have been at the bargaining table for the past 16 months. In June, talks between the two sides reached a stalemate and a conciliation officer was unable to broker a deal. NSTU members employed by the college voted more than 90 percent in favour of a strike on September 22 . They have been in a legal strike position since September 25 .

Community College members have been without a contract since August 31, 2008 . The Nova Scotia Teachers Union represents more than 760 faculty members and 165 professional support members at 13 NSCC campuses around the province.

For further information: Angela Murray, NSTU PR Coordinator, [phone] (cell), [phone], [email protected]