by The province’s teachers have voted 96 percent in favour of going on strike.
The strike mandate comes after teachers rejected two tentative contract offers from the province.
Teachers Union President Liette Doucette says almost every teacher cast a ballot in the strike vote.
She adds teachers are looking for a fair wage increase, more quality time with students, and better working conditions.
Doucette also says teachers don’t want a strike but adds they’ll go on strike if they have to.
They’ll be in a legal strike position on December 3rd.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Karen Casey says the outcome of the vote is a disappointment for parents and students as well as for government.
She adds classes have been capped, more teachers have been hired and there’s been more invested to increase support for students struggling with math and reading.