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Conciliation Officer Appointed for NSTU Negotiations |
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Written by Wire Services
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Thursday, 05 January 2006 |
The Nova Scotia Teachers Union, representing public school teachers in the province, had in December, 2005 requested the Minister of Labour to appoint a conciliation officer to assist with provincial negotiations. Today the Minister has appointed Mr. Charles Weir.
The Department of Education and Union have held 21 negotiating sessions since contract talks opened on April 27 of last year.
NSTU president Mary-Lou Donnelly said last month, "Our negotiating committee is of the opinion that significant progress towards a collective agreement cannot be made without the services of a conciliation officer."
Under the Teachers' Collective Bargaining Act, either party can request the appointment of a conciliation officer. Mr. Weir now has 14 days to meet with the parties in order to assist in reaching an agreement. Legislation allows this term to be extended if necessary. Weir will report directly to the Minister of Labour at the end of the process. |
