Teachers reject idea of new form of bargaining.

The vote conducted June 26–28, 2013, 96% of BC teachers expressed support for their bargaining team and opposition to government interference in the negotiation process.

A total of 20,664 teachers voted yes, and 898 voted no. Only 21,562 teachers participated in the vote, a little over half of the union’s estimated 41,000 members.

“This overwhelming vote is like a standing ovation for our teacher bargaining team,” said outgoing BCTF President Susan Lambert. “They have made stellar efforts at the bargaining table to negotiate a fair deal for teachers and better support for students.”

Lambert said the vote also sends a strong message to government to provide the necessary resources to achieve an agreement at the table, and not to intervene in the process.

Talks have been under way since early February and progress was being made in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Last week the government revoked the mandate of its bargaining agent, the BC Public School Employers’ Association, and then appointed a single government negotiator, Peter Cameron.