In response to disappointing progress at the negotiating table BC Teachers will begin low-level Stage 1 job action this Wednesday.
That action will target administrative duties.
During this stage of job action, Union President Jim Iker says there will be no immediate school closures or disruptions to students, teachers will continue to teach, write report cards, communicate with parents, and participate in their volunteer extracurricular activities.
But they will not undertake 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 or provide principals or administrators with any routine printed, written, or electronic communication.
Iker says after more than six weeks since a strike vote, the government and employers unfair positions have barely moved.
He says the province continues to demand concessions while ignoring the BC Supreme Court ruling on class size, composition, and staffing levels.
And, the 10-year term and salary proposals, which include up to two more years of zeros, are still on the table.
Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association president Mike Ball says they’re hoping to pressure the government and he thinks concerned parents should apply some pressure too…
While the BCTF accuses the province of trying to provoke a strike, Education Minister Peter Fassbender is firing back, claiming the BCTF is more focused on implementing its strike plan than bargaining.
He says the union has shown no willingness to move from its opening position.
