B.C. teachers may be allowed to launch a full-scale strike if the Labour Relations Board approves their application for such job action as the government prepares legislation to impose a contract.
A board hearing Monday night also considered whether a mediator should step into the labour dispute that began last September.
A ruling from the board was not expected as of deadline Monday, but could be announced Tuesday.
Education Minister George Abbott has said after nearly a year of negotiations, the teachers’ union and the province’s bargaining agent are too far apart for a mediator to settle the ongoing dispute.
Teachers have so far staged limited job action, such as not filling out report cards, meeting with administrators or supervising children in playgrounds.
Teachers across the province held a day of action Monday, working just “bell-to-bell,” holding union meetings during the lunch hour and rallying after school.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, they will vote on whether to escalate their action and launch a full-scale walkout.
The Labour Relations Board must approve their next steps because education is designated an essential service.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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