N.S. Teachers Union to hold strike vote in April

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union is holding a strike vote next month after nearly 10 months of negotiations with the province.

NSTU president Ryan Lutes made the announcement yesterday in a video posted on social media, calling it a decision that the union does not take lightly.

“I want to reiterate that it is our desire that government begins to focus on negotiating a fair contract in the best interest of students, teachers and their families and that any future job action can be avoided,” he says.
“Teachers are absolutely unwavering in their desire to create positive and safe schools for their students. It’s time for the province to demonstrate that same commitment.”

Lutes says he hopes a strike mandate will serve as a wake up call for the Houston government.

In a separate release from the NSTU, Lutes says some of the issues that the union feels government isn’t taking seriously are escalating levels of violence in schools and the current teacher shortage in the province.

“A strong strike mandate sends a message to Premier Houston that it’s time to act on the many crises currently boiling over in our public schools,” the release says.

The NSTU says the vote is set to take place on April 11.