The BC Teachers' Federation has postponed a vote to determine the next course of action, in their on-going job action. BCTF boss Susan Lambert says with the union's AGM next weekend, they postponed a vote...and instead, will continue on with phase one job action. Lambert says for districts that do have classes next week, no … [Read more...]
Govt. brings down BCTF legislation this afternoon
February 28, 2012 by
The provincial government will bring in legislation this afternoon that will attempt to resolve its long-running contract dispute with BC teachers. There is speculation the bill will extend the union's last contract, while directing non-monetary issues to a mediator. That mediator is expected to find savings within that existing contract, … [Read more...]
DEVELOPING: BCTF blasts Bill 22; full scale walkout possible
February 28, 2012 by
The BCTF has harsh words for Bill 22. And a full scale walkout is not being ruled out. BCTF President Susan Lambert is blasting Bill 22, calling the document highly political, and the worst possible outcome. She says the union hasn't had a chance to completely look over the bill at this point. That will happen by the executive at some point … [Read more...]
The political reaction from Victoria to BCTF demands was swift, on both sides of the legislature.
February 24, 2012 by
Despite the appeal from the Teachers Union, BC's Education Minister says the financial gap between the two sides is far too wide for a mediator to bridge. The union's call for arbitration or mediation is supported by the NDP Education critic Robin Austin. Austin said "Someone who can go and crack heads, someone like … [Read more...]
Legislated end coming to BCTF dispute
February 23, 2012 by
Education Minister George Abbott says he is greatly disappointed. The province and the BC Teachers' Federation have not been able to sort out their differences at the bargaining table. The government fact-finder appointed to review the BC teachers' dispute has found it very unlikely that the two sides will come to an agreement. Talks have been … [Read more...]
BCTF again calls for independent mediator
February 20, 2012 by
Three meetings later, and still no hope in sight. That from BCTF President Susan Lambert, after meeting with Trevor Hughes, the assistant deputy minister, appointed as a fact-finder in the on-going teachers dispute. Lambert: ".....he is simply there to describe the situation. He is not an … [Read more...]
BCTF still hopeful a negotiated settlement will be reached
February 15, 2012 by
The BC Teachers Federation is still holding out hope bargaining will end with a negotiated deal, and not legislation. BCTF President Susan Lambert says a negotiated collective agreement reached at the table, is in the best interest of all involved. "That is what I am hoping will happen, I hope there is no will on the part of government to simply … [Read more...]
BCTF and the government at odds over the cost of the latest proposal from the union
January 25, 2012 by
The provincial government says the latest contract demands from the BC Teachers Federation would cost taxpayers an extra two billion dollars over three years. That figure is in stark contrast to the BCTF's estimate of only 300 million dollars in its so-called scaled-down demands. The Public School Employers Association says the first year … [Read more...]
Judge dismisses BCTF application
October 12, 2011 by
Saying her original decision in April was clear, a BC Supreme Court judge has dismissed an application by the BC Teachers' Federation requesting clarification on a ruling against the BC government. That ruling in April gave the government one year to address an infringement on the union's right to bargain class sizes and composition. BCTF … [Read more...]
Province may legislate end to BCTF dispute
October 5, 2011 by
Education Minister George Abbott is sounding pessimistic about the chances of reaching a negotiated settlement with the BC Teachers Federation. In the end, Abbott says the government might have to legislate a deal. He says that is in the range of possibilities and has been from the start. Abbott says he hopes for a successfully concluded … [Read more...]
