Nova Scotia to close public schools as teachers take job action

All Nova Scotia public schools will be closed Monday as the Liberal government throws a wrench into teacher plans to take job action over recently failed contract negotiations.

Education Minister Karen Casey has decided to close schools province-wide but teachers are still expected to report to work, she told reporters at a press conference Saturday morning.

She said the province is not locking out teachers. The Liberal government says it intends to try to impose a collective agreement on the union.

Teachers in the province are getting ready to begin work-to-rule job action starting Monday morning, which will change the regular school activities for students across the province.

'Unsafe environment'

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union has directed educators to only go to school 20 minutes before class and leave 20 minutes after class, and not volunteer to supervise breaks.

The union has said it is taking precautions for student safety, like having principals available, but the province has disagreed.

"Job actions could put students in unsafe environment," Casey said.

"Students could be left unsupervised. That's unacceptable."

MLAs called back

The Liberal provincial government will enact legislation to remove some of teachers' ability to work-to-rule.

The Nova Scotia House of Assembly also has been recalled for Monday "respecting the public interest," the speaker said in a release.

Casey said teachers are expected to work, and as soon as legislation passes, "they'll be back to work as usual."

"This is clearly about the supervision of students and ensuring the safety of students on the school grounds," Casey said.

"It's unfortunate that this is what is needed, but it's fortunate we can do what's needed at this point in time."

The teachers are in a contract dispute with the Nova Scotia government after talks broke off more than a week ago.

The province is live streaming the announcement.