The BC Teachers' Federation is turning to the courts in its ongoing effort to have a government appointed mediator fired. President Susan Lambert hopes a judge will support the union's argument that Charles Jago is biased and has no mediation experience. "We've gone to the court. We've filed a petition in court claiming an apprehension of … [Read more...]
Teachers talks continue to crawl along
May 6, 2012 by
Negotiations between BC's teachers and the government continue to crawl along.BCTF 1st Vice President Glen Hansman says the union has met with both mediator Charles Jago and the Public School Employers' Association. "We had a meeting with them last week and we have some dates set for next week. I don't know if I would characterize that as mediation … [Read more...]
Vancouver school board says 227 teachers will be laid off
May 4, 2012 by
Bad news for a lot of teachers in the Vancouver School District today as they were told they are being laid off. School district spokesperson Kurt Heinrich says "Were going to be forced to lay off 227 teachers." Heinrich says if past years are any indication the district should be able to re-hire about 80% back in … [Read more...]
BC’s Education minister welcomes LRB ruling, hopes for mediation with teachers
May 3, 2012 by
BC's Education minister sees new hope after the Labour Relations Board ruled on the jurisdiction issue over a government appointed mediator. George Abbott says his hope is the mediation process can continue now that the Labour Board has ruled, removing Charles Jago is matter for the courts. Abbott said "As the LRB put it in dismissing … [Read more...]
Burnaby Teachers Association defends controversial email.
May 2, 2012 by
Despite criticism from the provinces Education Minister the Burnaby Teachers Association is standing behind an email sent to their members. President Richard Storch resfused to categorize the email as threatening instead he called it an information piece on extra-curricular activity. He says "Our approach as a union is not to threaten … [Read more...]
Some Burnaby teachers may face punishment
May 2, 2012 by
Education Minister George Abbott is taking issue with a union notice sent to teachers in Burnaby that warns of possible punishment if they take part in extra-curricular activities. The email from the Burnaby Teachers Association executive committee says that the BCTF members' guide allows for sanctions against members "who act in opposition … [Read more...]
BC teachers’ withdrawal from extra-curriculars starts Monday
April 23, 2012 by
Starting Monday, BC teachers officially withdraw from extra-curricular activities. The move comes after a 73% BCTF vote in favour of the idea earlier this year. The withdrawal leaves many important school events, like sports teams and graduation ceremonies -- in jeopardy. Vancouver School Board Chair Patti Bacchus says the district will wait and … [Read more...]
Sporty students feel sting of teachers job action
April 17, 2012 by
A Chilliwack Grade 12 student says his rugby team could cancel the season because due to the teachers job action they can't find another team to play against. In an e-mail, Isaac Gauer says his team is coached by a Vice-Principal but other teams are being left high and dry because they need a teacher to coach. Gauer asks if the dispute is … [Read more...]
BC teachers face off against the BCPSEA over report cards
April 16, 2012 by
The BC Teacher’s Federation and the BC Public School Employers Association are facing off at the labour relations board over report cards. the BCPSEA has brought an application to the labour relations board seeking to force teachers to complete term one and two report cards immediately, saying teachers can't refuse to write them, just as … [Read more...]
Parents want teachers to take leave of absence before becoming trustees
April 15, 2012 by
Parents in New Westminster are concerned about teachers serving as school trustees. Wendy Harris, chair of the city's district parent advisory council, says a possible bias toward their union could impair teachers from serving fairly on the board of education. Her council is seeking to have teachers take a leave of absence before becoming a … [Read more...]
