Teachers, govt urge good-faith bargaining

NEWS — A total of 26,051 teachers voted yes in a province-wide vote conducted Tuesday through Thursday.

“With this vote, B.C. teachers have sent a very clear message to the B.C. government; it’s time to negotiate in good faith, take back the unreasonable proposals, and offer teachers a fair deal that also provides better support for students,” BCTF President Jim Iker said.

About 29,000 teachers voted, resulting in an 89 per cent mandate that gives the BCTF executive the option of calling rotating strikes within the next 90 days to back up bargaining demands with the provincial government.

A full-scale walkout would require a second vote.

Education Minister Peter Fassbender said the strike vote creates additional uncertainty in schools. “That’s precisely why we need long-term stability in our schools and why we need to pursue a long-term agreement at the bargaining table,” he said.

“The employers’ bargaining team, for its part, has tabled a comprehensive initial position, including a 6.5 per cent wage increase in the first six years. Class size and composition are on the bargaining table, and that’s where the discussions need to occur.”