Both sides now agree to mediation

Posted on June 21, 2014 in Schools // 0 Comments

NEWS/ SCHOOLS — The first full week with teachers off the job across the province has come and gone, and the contract settlement that seemed hopeful a week ago remains elusive. However, there was a ray of sunshine Friday.

(A.M. News file photo)

The B.C. Public School Employers Association, which bargains for the government, released a statement Friday saying it agrees to a call from the B.C. Teachers Federation to bring in a mediator.

“The sooner the better,” said the BCPSEA. But the statement, over the name of interim CEO Mike Roberts, expressed concern the BCTF’s demand for a mediator is motivated by public relations rather than a genuine desire for successful mediation.

It said agreeing to mediation is usually done through discussion between the two parties, “not by way of a heads up shortly before a press release.”

While the BCTF has proposed veteran mediator Vince Ready, he’s believed out of the province and it’s not known if he’s available.

The statement said chief BCPSEA negotiator Peter Cameron was waiting for a call from BCTF president Jim Iker.

A facilitator has been involved in the bargaining process between the BCTF and the BCPSEA since February last year but bowed out after the teachers called for mediation.

“B.C. Teachers have moved significantly at the bargaining table to bring the two sides closer together, but we have not seen similar efforts from Christy Clark’s government,” said Iker.

But Education Minister Peter Fassbender said earlier in the week the two sides were further apart than ever, and the BCPSEA said Friday, “The biggest impediment is the continued refusal of the union to bring its total wage and benefit proposal down from twice as high as the settlements of the other unions.”

The teachers began a full-scale strike Tuesday after holding an all-day “study session” Monday.

The Kamloops-Thompson Teachers Association has created a hardship fund for members who need it. Teachers’ rallies are scheduled for several cities around the province next week including Kamloops on Wednesday.