As we head into the weekend with the prospect of a full-scale shutdown of the education system coming two weeks early, it feels like we could be approaching the endgame in the dispute between the province and the teachers.
Maybe that's optimistic. But whatever happens in the next few days will set the tone for what's to follow.
Teachers are in a hard spot.
Despite their legitimate issues with the way their contract was violated in the past, the public is more concerned with what's happening this week than what happened over a decade ago.
In the battle for "hearts and minds" of parents, an unexpectedly abrupt end to the year won't win the union many allies.
Meanwhile, every strike day saves the province millions of dollars - which can be offered back to teachers in any eventual deal. Now that exams have been declared essential services, it's likely neither side sees the last two weeks of June as educationally crucial. Although the province's obvious bad faith toward the teachers also doesn't win it many fans.
Here's a thought. While both sides have claimed the other hasn't moved at all, that's not entirely true.
Both have budged on salaries and the length of the contract. The union has further to go on wages - if it does reduce its demands, it's up to the province to meet the teachers on class size and composition.
In the end, the province has the hammer in terms of a legislated settlement. But a deal that saves the end of the year is still possible.
Neither side should count it out.
