Teachers seek conciliation officer in talks with province

HALIFAX, Jan. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - The Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU), representing public school teachers in the province, has asked the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education, Marilyn More, to appoint a conciliation officer to assist with provincial negotiations.

"While we have made progress throughout the bargaining process, our negotiating committee believes the services of a conciliation officer will help us reach a collective agreement," says NSTU president Shelley Morse.

The NSTU requested the opening of negotiations on March 1, 2012 and the exchange of packages took place on June 12, 2012. Since that date, the NSTU and the Department of Education have held nine negotiating sessions. The current agreement between public school teachers and the province expired on July 31, 2012.

Under the Teachers' Collective Bargaining Act, either party can request the appointment of a conciliation officer. Once appointed, the conciliation officer has 14 days to meet with the parties to assist in reaching a collective agreement. This term may be extended if necessary. The conciliation officer reports directly to the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education at the end of the process.

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union is currently in the midst of negotiating a new contract with its Community College members as well. The contract between the Community College faculty and Community College professional support staff bargaining units and the NSCC expired on July 31, 2011.

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union represents more than 10,000 public school teachers, Community College faculty and professional support staff in Nova Scotia, and teachers who work for the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Since 1895, it has worked to improve the quality of public education offered to children and youth in Nova Scotia, while promoting and advancing the teaching profession in the province.

SOURCE: NOVA SCOTIA TEACHERS UNION

Angela Murray, NSTU Public Relations Coordinator
Telephone: [phone], Cell: 902-497-0194, Email: [email protected]