He didn’t say it outright, but he said it in every other way.

Education Minister Peter Fassbender says he is is not overly interested in having the BC Teachers dispute settled through binding arbitration.

“I have never been a fan of binding arbitration. I don’t think anyone in the labour relations field feels that that is a vehicle that really serves the interests of all parties.”

That said, Fassbender stresses he hasn’t seen details of the BCTF proposal on the idea.

Earlier today, BCTF President Jim Iker called on the government to agree to binding arbitration, calling it the fastest way to settle the dispute.

The last time the government went down this road, it ended up handing BC doctors hundreds of millions of dollars.

Fassbender says the government will not agree to any deal for BC teachers that will up end up raising taxes.

In his call for binding arbitration earlier today, Iker says the union would end its strike if the government agreed.

“Your determination, solidarity, and support move me every day. You have given up so much for your students and the future of BC’s education system. All British Columbians owe you their gratitude.”

He says the government has done nothing but put up roadblocks, and that binding arbitration is the way forward to end the dispute.

source: CKNW