Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil has confirmed he will table legislation Monday to bring an end to the ongoing labour dispute between the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU) and the province.
The NSTU voted Thursday 78 per cent in favour of rejecting the third tentative agreement brought forward to its membership.
WATCH: Nova Scotia teachers reject third contract
McNeil said in a statement Saturday evening the latest deal contained “fair wage increases and made investments in classrooms.”
The premier goes on to say that after three tentative agreements, it’s clear the two sides are at an impasse.
“The strike action by the union has impacted students and their families for too long,” McNeil said. “The union’s actions and directives have caused harm to students — to their learning outcomes, university and college ambitions, and athletic aspirations. This is not acceptable and can no longer continue.”
READ MORE: Why one Nova Scotia teacher voted ‘no’ to the contract, and what she says needs to change
NSTU president Liette Doucet said in a statement Saturday that the premier’s announcement showed his consistent “lack of respect” for collective bargaining rights.
“Teachers have been taking a stand for better classroom conditions. They are tired of having their concerns ignored,” Doucet said. “It’s clear Premier McNeil knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing. A legislated contract will do nothing to improve the state of our schools and will only further erode the trust between teachers and this government.”
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