Hopes for mediation in teachers’ strike quickly fade

NEWS/ SCHOOLS — Just when mediation seemed like a real possibility in the teachers’ strike, the hope quickly faded Wednesday.

The B.C. Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) and the B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) issued the following joint statement on the outcome of their recent discussions about mediation:

“The BCPSEA and the BCTF agreed that Mr. Justice Stephen Kelleher would be an acceptable mediator. He had some exploratory discussions with the parties and determined that mediation is not indicated at this time.

“The parties appreciate the Supreme Court making him available.”

Education Minister Peter Fassbender said the two parties are still not in “the same zone” in bargaining. “Unfortunately, through these exploratory discussions it became explicitly clear that the BCTF executive would not commit to tabling a set of demands that fall in the same affordability zone as the other public sector agreements reached to date.”

He said the gap can’t be closed by a mediator.