Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 03/99) - On Monday, 78 per cent of teachers voted down the tentative agreement reached through mediation with the GNWT on Nov. 5.

Pat Thomas, president of the NWT Teachers' Association (NWTTA), said members have clearly indicated they are unhappy with their compensation package and working conditions.

The NWTTA and the GNWT are to resume negotiations on Dec. 20, 21 and 22 in Yellowknife. Talks will continue in January, if necessary, according to the NWTTA.

The highlights of the proposal the NWTTA turned down were:

1. a three per cent raise retroactive to Sept. 1 and another two per cent raise as of Sept. 1, 2000
2. a professional allowance of $500 per member each year
3. a 15 per cent average increase in Northern allowance; a new principal's allowance structure based on student enrolment
4. improved language to the existing harassment clause
5. a study on class size with recommendations to the minister of Education, who must respond with an action plan by the beginning of the 2000-01 school year.

Charles Dent, the minister responsible for the Public Service, said he's disappointed the collective agreement was rejected.

"The agreement ... is fair and in line with agreements reached by the education boards in Yellowknife earlier this year and the tentative agreement reached last week with teachers employed by the Government of Nunavut," he stated in a press release.

Specifically, NWT teachers are seeking a better compensation package to account for the cost of living, according to Thomas. Housing is also a big issue, she added.

"They want it addressed either by more money on the grid or by a special allowance," she said following the vote.

Some teachers have also expressed concerns about large classes with students requiring a variety of needs.

She cited one teacher who is responsible for 18 grades 10, 11 and 12 students. This teacher is teaching five levels of English, three levels of math, three levels of physical education, Northern studies, world geography, sociology, CALM (a life skills class), art and a variety of work experience programs. In addition, she does all the testing and marking.

"I mean it's a horrific working condition and that's why people voted no," Thomas said.

Although job action is one option the teachers can consider, they will not be in a legal position to pursue it until an essential service agreement is in place. Arbitration of that agreement is scheduled for Dec. 15 and 16.