Union, opposition reject plan to close schools, force new deal with teachers
Posted Dec 3, 2016 01:42:34 PM.
Last Updated Dec 3, 2016 02:40:45 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s teachers union and government opposition are voicing their disdain for Saturday’s announcement from Education Minister Karen Casey.
NSTU President Liette Doucet called the move “shocking”, while questioning the government’s assertion that it cares about students.
In a release, Doucet said teachers are “tired of the continued lack of respect showed by the McNeil government.”
“Instead of negotiating with teachers in good faith, this government has decided to take away their collective rights and impose a contract…one that doesn’t address the core problems with our education system,” Doucet said in a release. “Teachers are taking a stand for better classroom conditions but this government is not willing to make the needed investments to create a safer, healthier learning environment.
This government knows the cost of everything and value of nothing.”
Provincial opposition leader Jamie Baillie said he and his conservative party will “vigorously oppose” the move to close public schools to students and force a new deal upon the NSTU.
“Stephen McNeil is locking students out of classrooms and putting their education at risk. That is wrong,” said Baillie, in a release. “I am disgusted by the mess he has made out of our education system.
“In the coming days, we will soundly reject this legislation and keep pushing to have meaningful reform in our classrooms. This approach remains the best way to make our education system better for all students, parents and teachers.”
NDP Leader Gary Burrill said Saturday’s move by the government “undermines democracy and education.”