Member Update on Teachers’ Dispute: What To Do If You’re Being Asked To Do Struck Work

Good afternoon,

The union has just learned that some school boards (Annapolis Valley & Chignecto Regional School Board) are offering additional hours for the purposes of supervision to our members. To be clear, we are advising all members to refuse any additional work if it is above and beyond your normal hours of work and scope of duties.

This is considered to be “struck work,” which means it undermines the job action that is being undertaken by members of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU). You have the right to refuse additional supervision hours, because these duties are not part of your collective agreement. Additionally, you have the right to refuse and have protection from disciplinary action under Section 53 of the Trade Union Act. If your employer continues to pressure you to do “struck work,” please have them put their request in writing and contact the NSGEU immediately (inquiry@nsgeu.ca or 1-877-556-7438).

It is important to note that if our members are working in a supervisory capacity in absence of a teacher or principal, they are breaching the Department of Education’s own provincial guidelines, which clearly state that the responsibility of safety and well-being cannot be transferred or delegated to non-teaching staff member.

It is critical that we show our solidarity and support for the NSTU members as we continue our own negotiations.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the union. Also, please be sure to join our telephone town hall meeting on Monday evening for updated information and the opportunity to ask questions.

In solidarity,

Jason MacLean

President, NSGEU