Following a resounding strike vote by Nova Scotia teachers Tuesday night, the Liberal government says it won’t decide where to go from here until it hears from the teachers union.
“What happens next is a decision that has to be made by the union,” Education Minister Karen Casey told reporters Wednesday.
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The government has a number of options available if it wants to avoid job action, including anti-strike legislation, sending talks to a conciliation board, appointing a mediator or appointing an arbitrator.
Asked how she will decide what avenue to take, Casey said “the best interest of students” will drive decision making.
Minister ‘not aware’ of anti-strike legislation being prepared
The government could preemptively avoid a strike by passing anti-strike legislation. So far the government hasn’t ruled that out or in.
“I’m not aware of any anti-strike legislation being prepared,” Casey said.
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However, Casey also said the government will “make every effort” to avoid a disruption in the classroom.
More negotiations possible, government has not yet offered more talks
Conciliation, mediation and arbitration are all options under the rules governing teachers’ bargaining.
One form of conciliation has already been tried and failed, but a conciliation board could still be appointed by Labour Minister Kelly Regan.
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That would see both sides having to agree to the board, and the board can’t impose a deal.
In the case of a mediator, Regan could appoint one without the two sides agreeing to it, but the mediator cannot impose a deal.
Finally, both sides could agree to have an arbitrator appointed, which would lead to a binding agreement. Premier Stephen McNeil has previously said he will proclaim wage legislation if negotiations go to arbitration.
Teachers must wait til December for possible job action
Teachers voted 96 per cent in favour of a strike vote after rejecting two tentative agreements within the last year.
The Nova Scotia Teachers Union says its executives will meet within the week to decide what to do next.
It has to wait until early December to take any job action, whether that be a regular strike, rotating strikes or imposing work-to-rule.