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'We want to know exactly what process the government is following with the boards before the 2011–12 budget is finalized.'
Halifax (16 Dec. 2010) - The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) says potential cuts to school board funding are unacceptable and must be clarified by the government.
"We want to know exactly what process the government is following with the boards before the 2011–12 budget is finalized," says NSGEU president Joan Jessome. "For everyone concerned with public schools, there are a lot of unanswered questions."
Jessome says NSGEU has written to the education department about the issue. It asked several pertinent questions:
"Are you seeking to achieve an overall reduction of 22% or some other specific percentage in the next fiscal year or several fiscal years? Have you assessed the impact on schools, programs, services and staff if there are any funding reductions? Are you anticipating school closures, cuts in programs and/or staff layoffs?"
Jessome also indicated that the union has asked for a copy of any background materials or reports that the department may have prepared for the current budget process.
"We also hope that you will provide an opportunity for unions representing school board staff to provide some input into this budgetary process."
The NSGEU and its school board local leadership throughout the province will prepare an action plan in January to respond to the situation.
NSGEU represents 1,500 members who provide support services in the South Shore Regional School Board, the Halifax Regional School Board, the Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial, the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, the Tri-County Regional School Board and the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board.
NSGEU members provide a wide array of support services. They work as educational assistants, IT specialists, administrative personnel, bus drivers, monitors and library staff.
"The last thing public schools need now is funding cuts," Jessome says. "Whatever savings may be achieved will have major adverse impacts for the future of our province."
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE