I was in Ontario and Quebec for family vacation for two weeks. The objective was visiting distant family and friends and exposing my recently-graduated-grade-7 daughter to French outside the classroom. (It was a huge success for her; pity the parents and administration failed to set up a proper FI cultural exchange during the school year. It would have been better.)
Naturally during out visit, the topic of the teachers’ strike arose. As I tried to explain the situation (court case, legislated agreements, etc.) the looks on their faces were fairly animated. “You might not have school starting in September?!?” The expressions on their faces indicated they thought people from BC regularly snort live hamsters into their noses and enjoy it.
We’d be the laughing stock of Canada if it weren’t for that dumb mayor of Toronto who has my name. (I wish he’d change his name to Slartibartfast or something.) Even Quebeckers think our provincial government is dysfunctional.
It is totally unacceptable to not start school on time. The BCTF cannot unilaterally create an agreement. Only the Provincial government has that power. Therefore the Provincial government must take a fresh approach.
The pending appeal to the court ruling on class size and composition is the single largest barrier to an agreement. My thinking is that a temporary agreement needs to be in place until that ruling has gone through all appeals.
SUGGESTION
Put down a proposed contract that has the same raise for teachers that is as good as the best other public sector deal in the last year. Add resources for special needs, but word it so that the resources do not indicate you agree in anyway with the court ruling that’s currently being appealed.
The timing of the agreement should be 6 months with an auto-renewal with the same terms until the court ruling has finished. Once the court work is done, the real bargaining can begin.
If by July 31, you don’t have a signed agreement, either go to binding arbitration or legislate the temporary agreement.
Here’s the response I got back from the Premier’s Office.
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Thank you for your email, Rob. We appreciate the time you have taken to share your candid comments.
We need to work together to get to a long-term agreement. We do not want the pattern of the last 30 years continuing: strikes, escalation of job action and disruption.
We want to assure you that the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) stands ready to negotiate anytime, with or without a mediator, so that the next school year is not impacted. Government wants to see a negotiated agreement but remains firm in its commitment to balance the budget and deal fairly with all 300,000 B.C. public sector workers.
In closing, we want a lasting, negotiated settlement that protects education for students, is fair for teachers and puts the system on a path to stability for everyone. We have noted your concerns and suggestions, and will be sure to include your feedback in any related discussions moving forward.
Again, thank you for writing and bringing your concerns to our attention.