The British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) continued its rotating strikes at schools across the province this week.
The one-day strikes scheduled for June 2-6 (no action today on June 4) closed public schools in the Cariboo-Chilcotin on June 2.
School District #27 chair Tanya Guenther says the board does not like to see this lengthy dispute still ongoing, and another round of walkouts and lockouts.
"We don't like to see impacts to students and families, either, and we hope for a resolution at the bargaining table to have a negotiated settlement within a reasonable amount of time. Because, to see it go on has impact on our students and families."
Teachers will hear by today (June 4) if the Labour Relations Board (LRB) will allow school districts to cut teachers' pay 10 per cent as a result of their withdrawal of services in recent strike action.
The LRB heard the BCTF's arguments on May 29, with government’s bargaining agent, the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA), also on hand for the full-day hearing.
Education Minister Peter Fassbender points the finger at the BCTF for the continued delay on reaching a settlement.
"I am profoundly disappointed that while we’re still at the table, with all of the talk that’s been going on, that children and parents and communities are continuing to be held hostage and put in the middle of this dispute.”
Fassbender says he wants to see a negotiated settlement at the bargaining table, and reiterated his unwillingness to legislate teachers back to work in order to end the strike.
"... I think the pattern we’ve seen in the past has been exactly that – we have disputes, we have limited, or more significant, strike action and then there’s legislation.
"I think we need to break that cycle of dysfunction when it comes to bargaining with the BCTF....”
However, BCTF president Jim Iker says teachers across the province are committed to negotiating a fair and reasonable settlement – which must include improvements to learning conditions.
"It’s time for Premier Christy Clark to free up the resources that will bring the two sides closer together and ensure students start the next school year with smaller classes, more support for children with special needs, and extra one-on-one time."
The union leader also demands government be flexible on their wage expectations, and to "show some good faith and willingness" to move.
"Teachers know that bargaining is about compromise, but we cannot be the only ones expected to move. Collective bargaining is about compromise and moving forwards, not backwards.”
If the teacher walkouts continue next week, watch for further updates in media reports and on the SD27 website at www.sd27.bc.ca.
School principals will also be able to provide parents with information.