NSTU launches campaign against education cuts

To view the Social Media Release, click here: http://smr.newswire.ca/en/nova-scotia-teachers-union/nstu-launches-campaign-against-education-cuts

HALIFAX, May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - For the first time in more than a decade, the Nova Scotia Teachers Union is launching a campaign protesting the government's cuts to public education.

The Dexter government's $35-million cut to public education is resulting in the loss of more than 200 teaching positions across Nova Scotia. This will mean larger class sizes, fewer resources for struggling students and lost programs.

"We are marking our 90th Annual Council this weekend with the loss of more than 200 teaching positions," says NSTU president Alexis Allen.  "The loss of these positions is not only a setback for students—but a blow to our economy. In terms of salary and economic spin-offs these cuts will cost businesses in our communities millions of dollars per year."

The Kids not Cuts…It's our future too (kidsnotcuts.ca) campaign will appear in print, on radio, television and on Facebook.

"We know what the priorities in education are even if Premier Darrell Dexter and his government do not," says Allen. "We will not allow the government to balance the province's books on the backs of the children of Nova Scotia."

Allen is concerned that this is only the first year of what is expected to be three years of slashing to the education budget as the Dexter government continues its 'back to balance' strategy.

"That's why we are acting now to send a strong message that this is not acceptable. Children must come first."

The Facebook component of the "Kids not Cuts" (facebook.com/kidsnotcuts) campaign allows easy access to a petition and a letter Nova Scotians can send to their MLA to demand that funding be restored.

"We are rallying teachers to have a voice against these cuts," adds Allen. "We know that children are the future, our students today need more supports not less, and our campaign will be reminding everyone, especially the government that the priority must be on kids, not cuts."

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union represents 10,900 public school teachers in Nova Scotia and Community College faculty and professional support staff. Organized in 1895, its programs are directed towards improving the quality of public education in Nova Scotia.

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Video: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/mmnr/smr/NSTU Master SD-redo.flv

SOURCE NOVA SCOTIA TEACHERS UNION