Nova Scotia Teachers Collective Agreement: Everything You Need to Know
The Nova Scotia Teachers Union represents over 9,000 teachers in Nova Scotia. Collective bargaining agreements with the provincial government determine the conditions of their employment, including salaries, benefits, working conditions, and more. In 2017, the collective agreement between the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and the provincial government was the subject of intense dispute and debate.
The 2017 Nova Scotia Teachers Agreement:
The Nova Scotia Teachers Union had been without a contract since July 31, 2015. The previous agreement was for three years and expired in July 2015. In December 2016, members of the union voted overwhelmingly to reject the tentative agreement that had been negotiated between the union and the provincial government.
After several rounds of negotiations and a series of work-to-rule actions, the province and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union finally reached an agreement in mid-February 2017. The agreement was for a three-year contract, which would expire on July 31, 2019.
What did the agreement include?
The agreement included a salary increase of 1 percent in the first year and 1.5 percent in each of the following two years. It also included a reduction in the number of students in a classroom under certain circumstances, a reduction in the number of administrative duties, and an increase in the number of professional development days for teachers.
Why was the agreement controversial?
The agreement was controversial because teachers felt they were being undervalued by the provincial government. Teachers also argued that the province was not investing enough in education, which was affecting students` learning outcomes. In addition, teachers were concerned about classroom conditions, including the number of students in a classroom and the availability of resources and support.
What were the consequences of the agreement?
The agreement ended the work-to-rule action that had been taking place since December 2016. It also provided teachers with a modest salary increase and some improvements in working conditions. However, many teachers were still dissatisfied with the agreement and felt that it did not adequately address their concerns.
In Conclusion:
The Nova Scotia Teachers Collective Agreement was the subject of intense debate and controversy in 2017. While the agreement provided some improvements in working conditions and a modest salary increase, many teachers felt that it did not adequately address their concerns about classroom conditions and educational funding. The collective agreement is an important part of the employment relationship between teachers and the provincial government, and it will continue to be a source of debate and negotiation in the years to come.
