Nova Scotia teachers ask for mediator in ongoing dispute with government

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union has asked Labour Minister Kelly Regan to appoint a mediator in the dispute involving its 9,300 public school teachers.

 READ MORE: ‘How we’re here I’m not sure’: Stephen McNeil on impasse with teachers

Asking for a mediator is one of few remaining options for the union in order to avoid potential job action, including a strike. In an emailed statement Regan said she will “need some time to consider” the request.

Last week, the union sought out the help of a conciliator to avoid a strike. However, the two sides couldn’t agree to terms prior to appointing a conciliation board. The government wanted some restrictions around negotiations on compensation which the union didn’t agree to. The option to go to a conciliation board expired on Tuesday.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

In October, teachers voted in favour of a strike mandate, after rejecting two tentative agreements, that their union had recommended.

On Thursday, the Liberal Party announced it would be launching an advertising campaign aimed at explaining its position on education. The ads are paid for by the Liberal Party and will air on Facebook and television within the week.

Premier Stephen McNeil said the province might also roll out government-paid ads addressing the dispute.

“As a government I have a responsibility to make sure I articulate what is a government policy,” McNeil said.

READ MORE: Attempt to avert potential Nova Scotia teachers strike hits snag over ‘preconditions’

Both the NDP and Progressive Conservative parties criticized the ads, with NDP leader Gary Burrill saying it speaks to a negative tone Premier Stephen McNeil has taken when it comes to negotiations with teachers.

PC leader Jamie Baillie said the ads show McNeil is more interested in “saving his own skin” than resolving the dispute.

— With files from The Canadian Press.