Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says his government has treated teachers fairly amidst months of contract negotiations, and that he values what teachers do.
The comments come days before teachers vote on the latest contract offer from the province. The Nova Scotia Teachers Union is recommending teachers accept the offer but there are rumblings that teachers could vote to reject it.
READ MORE: Nova Scotia Teachers Union reaches tentative agreement with province
“I value what teachers are doing,” McNeil told reporters Thursday.
“The people of Nova Scotia elected the government to manage its affairs, we’re doing so with the collective in mind. We’re being fair.”
The contract details aren’t being released, but teachers who spoke with Global News anonymously say they think they are being asked to vote on a deal very similar to the four-year deal rejected last December. They say the pay packet is the same, but it includes some concessions around working conditions.
Teachers say there is one change to the terms around ending the long service award that teachers get when they retire — the deal says they will be paid out based on their accrual as of April 2015, but it adds a “me too” clause, so if other unions negotiate a better deal, teachers will get the better option.
“It’s the same thing, it’s just wearing lipstick this time,” said one teacher.
Many other teachers shared similar sentiments about the deal, most saying they would vote against it.
Negotiations were held under the spectre of a government threat to impose wage legislation if the two sides can’t come to a deal.
READ MORE: Rejection of wage offers to Nova Scotia unions could lead to legislation: Premier
Last year, the government passed Bill 148, which would freeze public sector wages for two years and then increase wages by three per cent over the following two years. The legislation hasn’t been proclaimed, but that can be done at any time.
That legislation has left many teachers feeling bullied.
“I think teachers are feeling like there is no choice but to stand up,” another teacher said.
Asked whether he antagonized teachers by introducing wage legislation, McNeil said “no.”
‘No arbitrator, no third party will determine what a collective agreement will be’
McNeil didn’t directly say that he would proclaim Bill 148 if teachers vote No, but he reiterated his long-held promise that he won’t allow negotiations to go to arbitration.
“I’ve made it very clear, no third party, unelected body will make a decision for this government’s ability to finance,” McNeil said. “No arbitrator, no third party will determine what a collective agreement will be in this province.”
He also said the government will not be giving more money if teachers vote no.
“The money that is on the table is all the money that we have,” he said.
McNeil said the government has shown it values teachers by capping class sizes — those caps don’t apply to high school classes.
The Nova Scotia Teachers Union did not reply to requests for comment.
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