After two false starts there's finally some movement in the dispute between the Nova Scotia government and the teachers union.
The Nova Scotia Teachers Union and provincial government have agreed to go back to the bargaining table in the hopes of avoiding a strike.
After saying for nearly six weeks that negotiations with the teachers had run their course, Nova Scotia Education Minister Karen Casey said Thursday morning that Labour Minister Kelly Regan was prepared to resume the conciliation process with teachers.
“I have asked the conciliator to invite both sides back to begin those conversations and we have notified the union that I have extended that invitation to the conciliator and so he will be reaching out to both sides,” says Casey. “ Somebody had to make the move to bring them together and I’m happy that we are the ones who did.”
The NSTU responded Thursday afternoon, saying it had been contacted by conciliation officer Jarrod Baboushkin, and agreed to go back to the bargaining table.
Union president Liette Doucet says this time there is no conditions on negotiations, and as far as she's concerned, everything is on the table.
“We had been asking them to get back to the table since our strike vote, that is what we were looking for,” says Doucet.
However, Doucet said the conciliation process would not affect the NSTU’s current plan to strike.
“We’re happy to get back to the table, and hopefully we will be able to reach an agreement,” says Doucet. “However, until an agreement is reached, our provincial executive will continue to plan and implement a strategy for job action.”
On Wednesday night Premier Stephen McNeil seemed unwilling to bring the two sides together.
When asked by CTV News at Six anchor Steve Murphy about why the premier could not instruct the sides to go back to the table, the premier responded: “We’re prepared to go to the table. But let me just take you back for a second, I've accepted the union's offer at the bargaining table twice.”
“The only thing that has changed is that we recognize that there needs to be conversation,” says Casey.
Regardless of the reasons, parents and students seem relieved to see this latest development.
“Good call, I support the teachers 100per cent,” says Kelly Francis.
“That's a good idea, so the children won't miss too much school,” says Hilda Ferguson.
“It's good that they are thinking to re-negotiate, but I think they do need the extra help,” says grade nine student Storme McNeil.
Though the two sides are talking again, the union still has the option to take job action on Dec. 3, unless an agreement is reached before then.
Members of the union had a strong strike mandate on Oct. 25, with 96 per cent of teachers voting in favour of job action.
“There's a work-to-rule option, rotating strikes, there's an actual walkout strike,” says Doucet.
That's little comfort for those hoping their children will stay in class.
“It’s a little nerve wracking I mean it’s my son's first year in school, primary is pretty important,” says parent Jim Delorey.
The two sides have not yet set dates to begin talks.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Sarah Ritchie
