August 25, 2014

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Re: Update on the Provincial Labour Dispute

Unfortunately, the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) have not been able to make significant progress over the summer months and as a result, the possibility of school opening as usual following the Labour Day weekend is uncertain.

While we wish to be hopeful that the two parties will reach a negotiated settlement before schools are due to open on September 2nd, a decision on school opening will likely not be made until Friday, August 29th.

This will allow both parties the maximum amount of time to reach a settlement.

We encourage all parents to consult our website at www.sd53.bc.ca for further updates and to keep up to date through local media, especially over the long weekend.
It is unfortunate that the normally exciting beginning to a new school year has been reduced to this level of uncertainty.

This is a frustrating, disappointing and worrisome time for everyone. I am most concerned about the effect that this continued labour dispute has on our students and hope that the impasse between the parties is resolved quickly at the bargaining table and that our schools can return to normal operation and begin the school year on a positive note.

Bev Young
Superintendent of Schools
School District 53