N.S. should repair relations with education specialists

Recently, the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU) won a major grievance against Stephen McNeil's Liberal government and, as a result, the union rights of speech language pathologists (SLPs), school psychologists and social workers employed in our public education system have been restored.

To provide some context, about a year-and-a-half ago Education Minister Zach Churchill removed these specialists from the NSTU, without warning or consultation, by suddenly refusing to grant them teaching certificates.

The McNeil government claimed its actions were justified because services to students couldn't be provided in the summer so long as these specialists were NSTU members. But this excuse was entirely false. Every summer, many NSTU members teach summer school, and on multiple occasions NSTU president Paul Wozney approached “Labour Relations” Minister Mark Furey, offering to negotiate a similar arrangement for SLPs and school psychologists. Unfortunately, the minister refused.

As a result of the government's actions, many specialists left the public school system entirely and entered private practice. Those hired without union membership were only able to support, on average, six students each during the summer months.

In the end, the government's scheme proved ineffective and, according to arbitrator Eric Slone, it was also illegal.

In a decision released Nov. 25, arbitrator Slone determined the McNeil government acted in bad faith, meaning it intentionally violated the rights of workers and the NSTU. He ordered that

SLPs, school psychologists and social workers be returned to the NSTU retroactively, and that government fully compensate the union for lost dues.

Premier McNeil, true to form, was angry about the decision and lashed out in the media at arbitrator Slone. Hopefully, now that the premier has had a chance to both cool down and review the decision, he'll realize the error of his government's ways and commit himself to repairing the damage he's created.

During the grievance process, SLPs and school psychologists spoke passionately about their desire to belong the NSTU. The

NSTU is clear in its willingness to find solutions through negotiations to provide access to services during the summer. The premier needs to be open to working with these specialists to find new approaches that ensure the needs of students are met while at the same time respecting their rights.

It's time that Premier McNeil realized that leadership is about acknowledging past mistakes instead of repeating them.