Premier Christy Clark has announced a review of the bargaining process with teachers that will see government engage with the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and other education stakeholders on how best to make systemic improvements.
Intended to be in place before the next round of bargaining in June 2013, Clark says consultations will cover everything related to the teachers’ collective bargaining structure and process.
The premier adds that in no other sector does bargaining so consistently generate stress, strikes and disruption.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says the review is a “positive step forward.”
Noting she doesn’t know what happens in every sector, Barnett says the bargaining stalemates and teachers’ strikes that have been going on for decades are “very stressful” for an “awful lot of people” and cause “total” disruption.
“Anything that can be done to improve relationships and to improve the bargaining process should be considered [and worked at] by all parties. If what you are doing isn’t working, then you have to find a solution.”
Clark says her government will engage with the BCTF and other education stakeholders, as well as hold consultations until early November with school trustees, school administrators and parent groups.
While some are lauding it as a conciliatory move for teachers, Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers’ Association president Joan Erb says she is “very leery” about the sincerity and the intention behind government’s plan.
“I am most dismayed by the ministry announcement, but I’m not surprised. It’s yet another attempt to destroy the BCTF and deny funding a quality public education system.”
Erb says she is unconvinced the government will listen to the BCTF because it has not followed through on that promise in the past.
“It’s ‘consul-told’ not ‘consul-ted’.”
However, Clark explains a key goal for government is to create a more stable learning environment for B.C.’s students and their families, and reaching for a 10-year agreement so a student starting Grade 2 this year can reach graduation “without ever having to experience labour unrest again.”
Noting British Columbians live in a democratic society, Erb says it is not necessarily detrimental for students to witness that process and develop their own opinions.
“Students learn from us that we’re willing to take risks and that we’re willing to stand on the edge in defence of public education.
“This world operates on negotiation. [The consultation] is just another attempt to union bust.”
However, Barnett says there will be consultations and compromise on both sides.
“There’s more than one party for negotiation and consultation.... If you are going with a negative attitude, there’s no sense in going.”
Education Minister Don McRae is beginning the move toward a negotiated deal next year through policy and legislation, she adds.
“That’s where it has to start,” explains Barnett.
“But, that’s a very ambitious set of guidelines that he’s talking about. I know he’s a very knowledgeable person, being he’s a school teacher and has probably been through processes for years himself.
“It’s great we have a teacher there who has an understanding of all needs on both sides of the equation.”