If you think a tentative deal between the BC Teachers Federation and their employer meant the start of a new relationship between the union and the province, you’d be wrong.
The battle is going back to the courtroom – a civil challenge from the union on Bill 22.
Lambert says the bill infringes on teachers’ charter-protected right to collective bargaining.
“The message to [Education] Minister [George] Abbott and the premier is that the teachers’ first obligation is to the students in the classrooms. We will never ever abdicate that responsibility.”
The legal action to remove mediator Charles Jago over his alleged bias is now a moot point.
Teachers will vote on the tentative deal June 27-29. The agreement lasts until next June – just after the next provincial election.
When asked if this means the union will now campaign actively for the NDP, Lambert insists the BCTF is non-partisan. But she points out that doesn’t mean they want another BC Liberal government.
“I would prefer a government in power that respected the opinions of teachers who are in classrooms, who are delivering the services, who know the best what children need.”
She says a new advertising campaign in support of public education is on its way.
Abbott admits the length of the agreement may be the union’s way of waiting until after the next election. He acknowledges the group may be hoping, or even dreaming of an NDP government when this deal expires next June.
But he says the very fact any deal has been made shows you can’t bank on anything.
“If I had invited any of you to place a substantial bet with me about whether we would be announcing an agreement with the BCTF last night, I probably could have emerged from those bets a very wealthy man.”
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