The elementary teachers union head is playing it cool after the Education Minister announced her intentions earlier in the day.

Sam Hammond is stressing teachers are within their rights to strike.

He underlines the union has been respectful since the beginning of strike talks, noting they didn't have to give at least 72-hours notice before they walk out.

Hammond says he wasn't surprised at anything the Education Minister said and notes he isn't concerned about the province ending the strikes.

He says the union will cross that bridge when they get to it.

Hammond says his focus right now is moving forward with talks with school boards and planned one-day strikes.