Education Minister Peter Fassbender released a statement today in response to the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) strike notice:

“It’s a little disappointing but not at all surprising. Over the past few weeks, it appears the BCTF has been more focused on implementing its strike plan than bargaining at the table.

“There has been virtually no movement from the BCTF on their wage and contract positions. The union hasn’t moved off its opening position of approximately 13.5% increase over three years, nor has it withdrawn any of its many other monetary proposals.

“I am told by the employers’ association (BCPSEA) that there are moves that can be made at the bargaining table, but the employers’ moves are not being reciprocated by the union. Now that the BCTF has formally initiated their strike plan, BCPSEA hopes the BCTF will now turn its attention to some real bargaining.

“Nobody wants to see a repeat of the six-and-a-half month strike a few years ago where teachers faced no consequences financial or otherwise, for withdrawing a wide range of services – from refusing to write report cards to non-participation in extra-curricular activities. That situation only served to prolong the dispute, to the detriment of students, parents and all public school employees.

“I’m informed that the employers’ association will respond to the BCTF’s strike in an appropriate and principled manner to put commensurate pressure on the union. I believe that this is a responsible approach. This time around, with the BCTF also feeling pressure to reach an agreement, we hope both sides will be equally motivated to find solutions at the table, rather than letting the BCTF’s strike drift on indefinitely.”

Peter Fassbender
Minister of Education

Earlier:

Citing a lack of meaningful progress at the bargaining table, B.C. Teachers’ Federation president Jim Iker says the union is issuing 72 hours strike notice, but job action will be confined to a teacher withdrawal of administrative service.

Iker says the plan will begin Wednesday April 23 and could escalate to rotating strikes unless the government comes “prepared to negotiate.”

“Our patience is running out,” Iker says.

BCTF outlined the first phase of job action, stating teachers would not:

• Undertake any mandated supervision of students outside of regularly scheduled classes, except as set out by an essential services order.
•  Attend any meetings with management other than meetings of the worksite Joint Health and Safety  Committee.
•  Provide principals or administrators with any routine printed, written, or electronic communication.
•  Receive any printed, written, or electronic communication from an administrator.
•  Be at a worksite prior to one hour before commencement of instructional time and one hour after the end of instructional time, other than for pre-arranged voluntary activities