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