Teachers’ Unions yet again fall short of the mark. They refuse to co-operate with the Province on establishing a back-to-school, in-person, learning environment.
They have their teeth into what they must consider an unassailable position going into negotiations: Teachers and education workers have repeatedly called on this government to work collaboratively to implement the health and safety measures called for by public health and education experts, including smaller class sizes to allow for proper physical distancing, improved ventilation and air filtration systems in schools, and robust tracking and testing protocols to stop potential outbreaks before they begin. Educators have also pushed this government to ensure that teachers and education workers are prioritized to receive vaccinations.
These measures are necessary to ensure that schools and workplaces are safe for students and staff, and allow for a sustainable return to in-person learning.
If the Province is waiting to send children back to school before they re-open the economy, the Teachers’ Unions are denying it their co-operation.