2007 03 09

The Honourable Ron Liepert

Minister of Education

323 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B6

Fax: (780) 427-5018

Dear Mr Liepert

Thank you for your letter sent yesterday, 2007 03 08, to Mrs Gruber and myself encouraging both parties in the current Parkland School Division labour dispute to resume bargaining immediately in order to achieve a settlement that will permit students to return to school.

The teachers in Parkland are entirely in agreement with you about the need for both sides to get back to the bargaining table and we appreciate your helpful intervention. Accordingly, I have extended to the Parkland Board an invitation to recommence bargaining immediately. I have indicated that we have no preconditions for meeting with the board and that our negotiating committee is available now and throughout the weekend to work toward settlement.

While we are prepared to proceed on our own, the appointment of a special mediator might assist both sides to move forward. We would respectfully encourage you to bear this option in mind.

We very much appreciate, and certainly share in bearing, the burden that this dispute is placing on the citizens of Parkland, particularly our students. Thank you again Minister for your efforts to help us resolve this difficult situation.

Yours sincerely

Robert Twerdoclib
President