Settle P.E.I. teachers' contract dispute quickly: Opposition

P.E.I.'s Opposition education critic Steven Myers called on the provinceThursday to solve the contract dispute with Island teachers as quickly as possible.

Talks between the province and its 2,200 teachers broke down Wednesday, with teachers revealing they were offered salary increases that were "significantly lower than both our ask, and what some other unions have already received".

The teachers also cite poor working conditions, and feeling "undervalued and disrespected by government," according to a written statement to members from P.E.I. Teachers' Federation president Bethany MacLeod. The two sides have been bargaining for more than 30 days.

• P.E.I. teacher contract talks break down, union asks for binding arbitration

Myers said Island teachers are not being treated fairly by the province.

"They don't seem to be included in any of the solutions for education," said Myers.

Myers said with all the talk by government of openness and collaboration with teachers, it looks like "no consultation with anybody and policies made on the fly."

"They don't seem to be listening to the teacher's plight that the classrooms are overcrowded and such," said Myers. "And the fact that they aren't able to even be close to where the teachers are when it comes to negotiations shows probably how little they do value them."

Money a main sticking point

The teachers' union isn't citing numbers, but P.E.I.'s school bus drivers, custodians, and school administrators are set to receive a four per cent pay raise in 2016 -- the second-last year of a five-year contract which was largely back-loaded in terms of salary increases.

Registered nurses will also receive a four per cent raise next year -- the biggest increase in their multi-year contract.

By comparison, teachers received a one percent increase in each of the last two years under a contract that has now expired.

P.E.I. teachers do not have right to strike

The Teachers' Federation is asking for binding arbitration, where both sides would accept the decision of a third party.

P.E.I.'s Department of Education issued a written statement that says it hopes the two sides can reach an agreement "to ensure sustainable supports for our Island learners."

These are frustrating times, say teachers.

Just a few months ago they were on the verge of a public demonstration at the legislature that was called off at the last moment.

P.E.I.'s English Language School Board is also talking about possible school closures, and its limited budget.

And they're under scrutiny for less-than-stellar results of student assessments.

• P.E.I. Teachers' Federation cancels rally to protest teacher cuts
• P.E.I. school closure policy approved by board
• P.E.I. provincial student assessments show room for improvement

Education Minister Hal Perry is also talking cryptically about a "new direction" for education that he plans to reveal soon.