In response to bad faith bargaining complaint

The government’s legal challenge is regarding a communication sent to teachers on August 29. They now object to our observation that

the government has not provided the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) with the mandate to negotiate on important issues—such as class complexity, class size, supports for students and violence-free classrooms—to improve the learning environment for students and teachers. 

The fact is that government negotiators have consistently stated in bargaining that they lack the “mandate,” the money and political authority, to address both teachers’ concerns about classroom learning conditions and expectations for adequate compensation. 

Let’s be clear: what we said is not misconduct, it’s not misleading—it’s the truth.

Rather than sitting down at the table and working toward a solution, the government is wasting time on legal maneuvers and public smears.

Let’s not lose sight of what’s really happening here: classrooms are bursting at the seams, teachers are overworked and overwhelmed, and our public education system is crumbling before our eyes.

What we're asking for is a solid foundation for a quality education system and a salary that reflects the demands that have been placed on teachers.

When we say that, we’re not spinning. We’re telling the truth.