Teachers across Nova Scotia are reacting to comments made by the Premier Stephen McNeil over Christmas.
In an interview with Global TV’s Sarah Ritchie, the Premier says he’s heard from many teachers who support the actions of his government over the past year.
Hundreds of teachers have taken to the Twitter hashtag #StepUp4Students to say the Premier didn’t speak with them.
Teachers Union President Paul Wozney says teachers are still frustrated after a contract was forced upon them through legislation.
“I think unless you have had your constitutional rights eroded by illegal legislation, it’s hard to appreciate how that feels.”
Wozney says, that isn’t sitting well with educators.
“Teachers have just had it with the Premier making false statements about them, about the working conditions, and this phony support that simply doesn’t exist for his government and the way that they’ve approached solving the challenges that exist in our schools.”
Wozney says the Premier is trying to paint the union as a house divided, and that simply is not the case.
Opportunity to build a bridge missed @StephenMcNeil. @NSTeachersUnion teachers have let you know they won’t accept wedge tactics or allow you to leverage them for your own benefit. We’re still waiting for a partner to #stepup4students in #nsed. Call me. We can talk. #nspoli https://t.co/keZBoHtDlU
— Paul Wozney, NSTU President (@withwozney) January 10, 2019
Meanwhile,
Stephen McNeil says in his travels across the province, teachers talk to him about the challenges they’re faced with.
He says teachers have told him that clearer reporting mechanisms and some of the new funding his government has put in place are positives.
But he is clear, that support does not extend to all teachers.
“I, in no way indicated that every teacher in the province is happy with the government of Nova Scotia, nor do I expect them to be.”
The Premier indicated that also applies to the teachers union.
“I would suggest that the NSTU would not be in support of anything that I’ve said.”
McNeil encourages the NSTU to continue to go back into the schools and continue to talk to all their membership.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
