Rachel Creasor
October 22, 2022
During the pandemic the government told us that school was the safest place for our kids.
During the pandemic the government told us that our kids needed to be at school, as face to face learning was the most effective way to learn.
Workers from NSGEU 73 are so important to our system that some children will not be able to attend school on Monday because the brave workers that teach and support them will be picketing for a just contract.
Let that sink in…
Some of our brightest and most creative students can not attend school on Monday because school isn’t ready for them without their supports.
INCLUSION CANNOT HAPPEN WITHOUT THE WORKERS IN NSGEU 73!
I often wonder if the Canada and Nova Scotia I wish for is just an impossible myth.
I often wonder if democracy is just an impossible myth.
I used to believe that Canada was working towards being a just, multicultural society.
I used to believe that Canada wanted strong public education.
I used to believe that Canada wanted strong public health care.
I see now that those hopes were just myths.
I see now that it hasn’t been a just country for some of us, ever.
Our most vulnerable citizens are continually stepped over and ignored.
I see now that it has always been that way.
I believe the myths can become reality though.
I believe they have to.
I believe if we are not constantly working and voicing and voting and spending in ways to move towards making those myths reality, then we are doomed.
It is important that we all begin to recognize that there are forces of austerity at work, violently pushing us into a multi tiered system of privatization.
This is not new.
We all receive different care in this society based on our race, gender, physical ability, neuro diversity, sexuality, economic status, and many other factors.
Do you think that if 100,000 rich people didn’t have a doctor in our province that more doctors wouldn’t be instantly hired?
What would happen if students who didn’t need medical care, toileting, and help keeping themselves safe were asked to stay home from school on Monday?
Would that be being talked about?
Or…
What would happen if the very important workers that care for these students got what they were asking for?
What would happen if the Human Resources of our public systems, that were so very important at the height of the pandemic, were properly cared for with financial compensation, and safe working conditions guaranteed?
What if every Nova Scotian and Canadian realized that this must happen to have a province and country worth being proud of?
Maybe myths would solidify and come into colour, and all of us would have a shot at a better life and a clearer vision of the positive potential of all humanity.
That is why I will always support workers fighting for their rights and I will teach my children to always support workers fighting for better working conditions.
BECAUSE THEIR BRAVERY HELPS US ALL!
I am so proud of my friends in NSGEU 73 who will bravely stand for us all.
You are heroes to me, and I love you.
Educators for Social Justice - Nova Scotia 