In the wake of a BC labour ministry report finding that a negotiated settlement is “very unlikely,” teachers are calling upon the government not to impose a contract through legislation but rather to enable other labour relations mechanisms to achieve a fair agreement.

“Teachers are looking for fair alternatives, such as mediation or even arbitration, to help the parties find a resolution to this dispute,” said BCTF President Susan Lambert. “This government has a choice. It can help find the compromises necessary to reach a settlement, or it can use bullying legislation that will only make matters worse.”

Lambert pointed out that calling for mediation is an exceptional and unusual step for any union. “But it’s one we are prepared to take in the hope of achieving a settlement and avoiding the damaging repercussions of an imposed contract,” she said.

The BCTF is urging school employers to accept the offer to mediate the dispute. “If they aren’t able to do so, we would request the Labour Relations Board to appoint a mediator or, failing that, an independent arbitrator. We want to exhaust all the options available to us, even to calling for an independent arbitrator if necessary,” Lambert said.

“Teachers are disappointed, but not surprised, at today’s report. It appeared from the outset that the government was using this process as a precursor to legislation,” Lambert said. “Now, we are urging the government not to repeat a pattern that has left a legacy of damaged relationships and deteriorating learning conditions in BC schools.”

The government has asked staff to prepare legislation that could be introduced next week.

source: BCTF