Minister Seeks Mediator

Education Minister Jane Purves has requested a mediator to help the province and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union reach a settlement in contract negotiations. In a letter sent to the David Morse, Minister of Environment and Labour, Wednesday, Sept. 18, Ms. Purves said the request is intended to keep talks moving and to get an agreement between the parties.

"I am concerned that we have not been able to reach an agreement," she said, "We will make every reasonable effort to get an agreement with the NSTU and avoid possible class disruptions this fall."

Ms. Purves said she is concerned that stalled contract negotiations will have an adverse effect on more than 153,000 students. She said she owes it to students, parents and teachers to explore every possible option for an agreement.

The request for a mediator is a step in the collective bargaining process. Ms. Purves said a mediator has greater flexibility at the bargaining table and can be more aggressive in bringing the two parties to an agreement.