Solve dispute at bargaining table, not on picket line, Fassbender says as strikes begin

NEWS/ SCHOOLS — As teachers hit the picket lines on the first day of provincewide rotating strikes, Education Minister Peter Fassbender called on the B.C. Teachers Federation to resolve the contract dispute at the bargaining table “not in the classroom or on the picket line.”

Fassbender said the B.C. Public Sector Employees Association “is ready to bargain 24/7, any time, anywhere.” He said the teachers have a fair offer on the table but the BCTF leadership is asking for a pay increase and other benefits that are more than four times what other public sector unions have settled for.

“It is unfortunate that the BCTF leadership is shutting down schools with their rotating strikes — it is always students and parents who bear the greatest brunt when the BCTF orders teachers to walk out,” said Fassbender.

“Students, parents, teachers, and government want this strike resolved. That is why on May 16, the government and BCPSEA tabled some significant incentives, such as a $1,200 signing bonus and moving to a six year term, to help reach an agreement by the end of June.”

BCTF president Jim Iker has said teachers’ concerns around class sizes and working conditions haven’t been addressed in bargaining.

The rotating strikes will continue through Thursday, with every school in every district being closed for one day. Today’s strikes are mostly on the Coast and eastern B.C.  but will move into the Interior on Tuesday, with Vernon and Prince George among those to be struck Thursday. Kamloops’ turn will come Wednesday.

The BCPSEA has told teachers their pay will be docked 10 per cent for the job action.