Minister's statement on BCTF strike

BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils info@bccpac.bc.ca	2:15 PM (2 hours ago)
to BC

STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

2012EDUC0018-000222

March 1, 2012

Ministry of Education 

Minister's statement on BCTF strike 

VICTORIA - Education Minister George Abbott today released a statement 

regarding the decision by the British Columbia Teachers' Federation to 

hold a three-day strike. 

"We are truly disappointed by the union's decision to hold a three-day 

strike beginning next week. A strike of this nature will significantly 

disrupt student learning and creates tremendous concern for parents and 

families. 

"The union is in a legal strike position. Under the order from the Labour 

Relations Board, they are able to fully withdraw for three days, but the 

order is clear that schools are not to be picketed. 

"Parents are encouraged to find child-care arrangements for Monday, 

Tuesday and Wednesday. However, for parents unable to secure alternate 

arrangements, all public schools will be open and students will be cared 

for and supervised. 

"Schools will be staffed by non-unionized school and district personnel. 

Given the LRB order preventing schools from being picketed, we also 

expect all unionized school support staff, such as education assistants, 

to be present as well. While there will be no instructional time, all 

staff will ensure students are supervised in a safe environment. 

"Further, school-based child-care services, such as pre-school and after-

school care, are not affected by the strike. 

"Bill 22 is an important and complex piece of legislation that demands 

careful debate and full understanding by all members of the legislature. 

"Bill 22 sets a cooling-off period and suspends the teachers' union 

strike action while calling on the assistance of a mediator. It also 

implements the $165-million Learning Improvement Fund and other measures 

that will play a fundamental role in the future of education in our 

province. 

"I understand that emotions are running high, and we do not want to 

inflame the situation by acting precipitously and rushing through the 

legislation. 

"We have been working very hard and have put numerous opportunities in 

front of the union to try to work through the difficult issues that 

confront us during a time of collective bargaining. 

"It's unfortunate that rhetoric and name-calling has overtaken a 

thoughtful and constructive approach to resolving the impasse through 

mediation. When mediation begins in the near future, I hope the 

discussion will unfold in a respectful way."

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement

Ministry of Education

250 356-5963 

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect