The education minister is underlining the government is not taking away any teachers' right to strike.

This comes after teachers unions begin to take strike votes, many voting over 90 per cent in favour of a strike.

Laurel Broten notes the teacher legislation put in place by the province last month is not targeting unions rights to strike but rather things like a wage freeze and getting rid of bankable sick days.

She says while a contract framework is now in place, many unions are still bargaining at local levels.

While Broten says the Putting Students First Act allows the government to end a strike, she wouldn't say how long the province would wait to move if unions do walk out before Christmas.

The education says they are watching the strike votes as they happen.