NLIS 8
September 21, 2001
(Education)

 


Minister calls on parents to keep children in school

Education Minister Judy Foote is calling on all parents in Newfoundland and Labrador to keep their children in school as NAPE continues its strike.

"Our schools remain open and our teachers are at work," said Minister Foote. "I encourage all parents to keep their children in school so that they do not miss valuable classroom time." Minister Foote is concerned students, who already have one of the shortest school years in the country, may suffer academically because of missed classroom time.

NAPE and school boards have an essential workers agreement which designates who will perform essential duties during a strike. These essential workers are required to ensure that affected schools continue to be a safe, secure and healthy learning environment for students.

Union leaders have stated publicly that it is their objective to close schools. This is contrary to the agreement signed in which they provide essential workers. They have also encouraged parents to keep their children at home during the strike and, in some cases, called on parents to join strikers on the picket line. Minister Foote calls on Tom Hanlon, provincial president of NAPE, to put a stop to this irresponsible action.

"I ask all parents to ignore the union's request and make every effort to ensure their children continue to attend school on a regular basis," said Minister Foote. 

In some communities, senior high school students have walked out of school in protest, and have even joined the picket lines. "I ask these students, some of whom are graduating next spring, to reconsider such actions and not to engage in any activities which may have negative consequences for them," added Minister Foote.

"I am very disappointed to hear of incidents on picket lines, during which students and parents have been harassed, or have been impeded from entering their schools. Such behaviour is unacceptable, especially when it is our children who are being adversely affected. Picket lines are meant to be a legal means for striking workers to bring attention to their issues.

"No child should miss school because of this strike," said Minister Foote. "I encourage parents to do everything they can to get their children to school so they can continue to receive the education they deserve."

Media contact: Gay Decker, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2001 09 21                                     4:00 p.m.
 


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