NDP supports Teachers' Union Charter challenge of Bill 75

Legislation forced contract on teachers last winter

Halifax – The Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union has officially filed its Charter challenge against the Liberal government’s Bill 75, which forced a contract on teachers last winter. The NDP Caucus fully supports the NSTU’s challenge of this unacceptable law.

“Teachers were vocal in their call for more support in the classroom, more time to be able to teach, and investments in our children. They deserve a fair and negotiated contract that addresses these important classroom issues,” said Claudia Chender, NDP Education spokesperson.

The teachers’ union says that Bill 75 is unconstitutional because it violates the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Earlier this year, NSGEU filed a similar constitutional challenge to Bill 148 whichlegislated a wage pattern on nurses, health care workers, front-line workers, and other public sector employees.

“We now have a government facing two Charter challenges over how they treat the people who take care of our children, deliver health care, and provide support to the most vulnerable people in our communities,” said Chender. “The Liberals have a pattern of caring more about getting their way than about peoples’ rights. They should be listening, not using the law to attack front-line workers.”

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