For days and weeks the Nova Scotia Teachers Union dominated the headlines. But after the government imposed a new contract all that disappeared. What actually happened? Why did it matter? What’s next? We met with Larry Haiven, an expert in Nova Scotia labour relations and co-founder of the Parents for Teachers Facebook group, to ponder these three questions. “This is not your grandfather’s labour movement anymore.”

Judy Haiven speaks at the Law Amendments Committee regarding Bill 75. “What does this Liberal government prioritise? Convention centres? Giveaways to the banks, giveaways to the Department of Business and Nova Scotia Business Inc, which dispenses millions in pay roll rebates and other breaks for business?”

Lana Payne, Atlantic Regional Director of Unifor, offers an exceptionally clear analysis of the teachers’ strike, what is driving Stephen McNeil, and what needs to be done to stop him. “We must be as relentless in our efforts as the Liberals have been in their attacks. And we must be extra vigilant in mobilizing, organizing and building solidarity. We simply have no choice.”

Not a good day for the government in its efforts to bully teachers into abandoning their fight for better working conditions and fair bargaining. Parents, teachers and students who rallied at Province House today are angrier than ever before, while the government beat a hasty retreat.