by The province’s teachers have rejected a tentative contract offer.
94 percent of the union membership cast ballots in a vote that saw 61 percent turn the deal down.
The Teacher’s Union had recommended that members vote to accept the offer.
However, union President Shelley Morse concedes that teachers are frustrated with their working conditions and would like to see that addressed in a contract.
She adds the conditions include large class sizes, longer work hours and schools in disrepair.
Conciliation likely will be the next step in the process or the province could legislate a contract for the teachers.
Meanwhile, Premier Stephen McNeil issued a statement saying he’s disappointed in the outcome of the vote and adds the Liberal government now has options to consider over the next few days.