Teachers to vote Wednesday on binding arbitration

NEWS/ SCHOOLS — B.C.’s teachers will vote Wednesday on a B.C. Teachers Federation proposal to put their dispute with the Liberal government to binding arbitration.

BCTF president Jim Iker said in a televised press conference Monday teachers “will be asked if they’re prepared to end the strike if the government agrees to binding arbitration.”

Education Minister Peter Fassbender rejected binding arbitration after what Iker said was several hours of discussion among the parties to the dispute on Friday and Saturday. Teachers will vote on it anyway.

Iker said binding arbitration is “a fair, workable and pragmatic plan” and the government has offered “weak excuses but not a single legitimate reason for saying no.”

“Today we’re giving government another chance,” Iker said. He said the BCTF executive is recommending a “yes” vote Wednesday. Results should be known that night, Iker said.

However, he said the controversial E80 clause on court decisions on bargaining rights can’t be subject to arbitration. “There’s one important move the government needs to make first. The B.C. Liberals need to drop E80… Teachers will never bargain away our charter rights or potential award from the courts before it happens.”

“A yes vote will end the strike and open schools.”