A strike vote is looming for Nova Scotia’s teachers.
The vote takes place on Thursday, as conciliation dates with the government are scheduled to resume on April 15.
Union president Ryan Lutes says they’re trying to draw attention to the issues facing teachers.
“From talking to teachers around the province the last couple of days, I’m confident we’re going to get a strong strike mandate. I certainly hope this is a message that government hears, and they come to the table with a change in attitude,” said Lutes.
He says job action would still be over a month away if teachers vote to strike, but they’re hopeful a deal can be reached before then with meaningful conversations.
He adds the government has pushed them to this point as they fight for a fair agreement.
“They haven’t listened to our priorities like classroom and working conditions, and fair wages. No teacher wants to be taking a strike vote, but the government has pushed us to this point.”
Rallies are planned for some local unions on Wednesday.
Lutes says it’s not a decision they’re taking lightly, and it’s caused some uncertainty in the system, but many parents have been supportive.
Education minister Becky Druhan says she respects the right to take job action, but it’s the last thing students need.
She says they’ve been working hard to be responsive to teachers and staff.
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