The Newfoundland and Labrador Teacher’s Association says many members feel disrespected by the government after the announcement that staff will be heading back to school earlier than expected.

K-12 students don’t return until Wednesday, September 9, but all others in the school system will report on Wednesday, September 2.

The provincial government says the earlier opening will provide teachers, students, and staff with additional time to receive orientation on health and safety procedures and protocols.

Dean Ingram, president of the NLTA, says they were not consulted with yet again. While it is up to the Minister of Education to set school dates, Ingram says there are a number of complications that will arise, as this should have been decided in June.

He says they find themselves in a situation where some teachers who had plans for travel must make changes. Lease agreements, rent agreements, shipping of materials, and their own personal items which were already made, now will have to be changed. Some teachers have already raised concerns about the possibility of not being able to return for the start date.

Ingram says earlier consultation would have been beneficial for all parties involved.