Posted
on Mon, Nov 28, 2016 at 2:21 PM
Nova Scotians believe that teachers should feel supported in the work they do in educating children and youth.
I think the issue with the wages part of the offer to teachers is that it is 0% in the first 2 years of the contract. In both 2015 and 2016 the NS economy was not in recession with the GDP growing in both years and growth also projected for 2017. This leaves only 2018 a bit uncertain at this point.
So minimally you might expect at least a half percent increase for the first 2 years of the contract rather than 0%.
If we take the government offer of 3% as fixed, there are a number of ways that it could be distributed over the 4 years of the contract to provide a better offer to teachers (each of which involves slightly more money but not excessively so) and which does not have 0% in any of the years.
Some examples are:
A) .5% (first 3 years) and 1.5% final year; or,
B) .5% (first 2 years) .75% (third year) and 1.25% (final year); or,
C) .5% (first 2 years) and 1% (final 2 years).
This would mean only a few hundred dollars more in wages each year and would show at least some sensitivity to the position of the teachers and not make them feel that they are really falling behind economically. Plus, if it goes to arbitration, the options above might be looked at more favorably by the arbitrator as it shows some movement in trying to reach a negotiated settlement and also reflects an economy which one would think allow for a small increase to have been paid.
Here's hoping that everything works out for the best and teachers feel supported at the end of the process. —Hoping for the best (or at least not the worst)
Posted
on Thu, Nov 24, 2016 at 4:00 AM
I gotta say, the new bright white LED street lights are much more pleasing than those dingy reddish-white street lights that were all over the place. Not sure who to thank, but thanks —It Is About Time
Posted
on Thu, Nov 24, 2016 at 4:00 AM
To all the good people who give bottles and cans to people pushing a cart. It is greatly appreciated —Guy With a Cart
Posted
on Wed, Nov 23, 2016 at 4:00 AM
I was having a mental breakdown and happened to sit against your car on Charles Street in nothing but a t-shirt while I cried like a baby. Even though I ignored you, you were still kind enough to keep asking if I was okay and lent me your jacket for part of my walk home. You did help me to calm down and I thank you for that. —A Very Sad Girl
Posted
on Wed, Nov 23, 2016 at 4:00 AM
I'm realizing more and more as things happen in my life that there is no 'normal'. There's the dream of a default that you return to where the experience you just went through didn't influence you but it's no the case. Maybe to some degree you get to go back to yourself a bit more, but that self is different and growing and changing everyday. It blows my mind how often I keep relearning this.
And to that I'm sending my love. To the change and growth. To everyone of my old selves who I'll never get to meet again. And to every self that is to come. It's scary and cool and weird to keep living on everyday, to be awake through so much development. To develop.
How lucky we are. —Another Day Another Me
Posted
on Tue, Nov 22, 2016 at 4:00 AM
A few soft, sweet points:
1) don't be scared
2) you are a beautiful little human and
3) hugs are always welcome —Ursa Major
Posted
on Mon, Nov 21, 2016 at 12:34 PM
I was driving down Barrington on the way to pick my girlfriend up after her shift late Saturday night when you stepped into the intersection. I almost hit you because the left side of the crosswalk was obstructed by a large truck. I'm very very sorry. You probably saw me hang my head in surprise shame after I couldn't slow down fast enough and had to cruise through the crosswalk. —Another terrible Halifax Driver
Posted
on Fri, Nov 18, 2016 at 4:00 AM
It's only been one month since you left us. We were going to celebrate my birthday together but the universe had other plans. I keep seeing things I want to show you. I want to talk about my day and hear about yours. I call you, to hear your voice on your voicemail. I start to write messages that have no where to go. I miss you so much, Mom. I wish I had taken more time to call you. I wish I told you that I loved you more often. I want to hear you laugh at your own jokes. I want to sit and watch TV with you. I won't complain about the show you pick. I want to give you a hug.
I'll love you forever. —Missing a Piece Of My Heart
Posted
on Thu, Nov 17, 2016 at 4:00 AM
Thank you to the badass group of girls who has been covering our city with “LOVE can still TRUMP HATE” posters. These small signs all over the city really show what it means to be a Haligonian and brightens my day every time I see one. These little things don't go unnoticed.
—A Fellow Lover
Posted
on Thu, Nov 17, 2016 at 4:00 AM
Halifax is a bit of a backwater redneck town that tries to be a progressive city but often fails. So it is extremely gratifying to see cool people that are using their brains and acting in positive ways. I see them often as I'm taking long walks through town. All you good Haligonians who are making strong moves and improving your communities—keep up the good work. And to all of those who are not there yet, you can get there. I know you can. —Hipster Dufuss
