‘Let us hope for an agreement soon’

Grad ceremonies will continue despite second teachers’ strike

NEWS/ SCHOOLS — Although the teachers’ contract dispute brings new developments every day, this week’s rotating walkout will result in a similar scenario to last week’s, says Kamloops-Thompson schools superintendent Terry Sullivan.

In a voicemail update to parents Sunday night, Sullivan said a walkout by teachers on Thursday will include picket lines around schools and school district work sites, and support staff employees aren’t expected to cross them.

That means there will be no classes or supervision that day, and since bus garages will be behind picket lines there will be no bus transportation. Sullivan asked parents to keep students home that day.

That’s pretty much the same situation as last week. However, graduation ceremonies will carry on, he said. “Grade 12 graduations began last week and I want parents to know that school administration and district administration will be assuming responsibility for all senior high school graduation ceremonies.

“All Grade 12 graduation ceremonies scheduled for this week will continue as planned.”

Sullivan said the nature of the dispute changes weekly and “sometimes daily.”

This is the second week of rotating strikes after four days of walkouts last week failed to bring a settlement with the B.C. Public School Employers Association, which bargains for the government.

Groups of school districts through the province will be struck today, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

“We will continue to do all that we can to minimize these disruptions,” Sullivan said in the voice message. “Let us hope that the provincial parties can come to an agreement soon.”

The B.C. Labour Relations Board is expected to rule Wednesday on whether the BCPSEA’s decision to dock teachers’ pay 10 per cent during the job action should be allowed to stand.