BCTF president 'disappointed' with decision by Education Minister to halt talks
By Nelson Daily Staff
BC Teachers’ Federation president Susan Lambert is “disappointed” with the recent decision by Education Minister Peter Fassbender to halt the current talks with the province’s public teachers.
“This is a disappointing development because it puts an end to a respectful and constructive round of talks,” said Lambert said.
“Minister Fassbender knows that government representatives have been at the table since February, and they have not tabled any proposals towards a 10-year contract.”
Fassbender is overhauling the bargaining process and has scrapped the mandate of the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association, which represented government in talks with teachers, and replaced it with a single negotiator.
Lambert noted that after five months of respectful negotiations the parties have signed off on some positive changes, including a new process for expedited arbitration which will save both parties time and money.
This agreement could see costs associated with arbitrations reduced by up to 70%.
“Teachers, more than anyone, would welcome long-term labour stability in public education. But you cannot achieve labour peace by interfering in a constructive process and locking in current problems for another decade,” Lambert said.
Fassbender has appointed long-time mediator Peter Cameron to head a provincial team with teachers and the B.C. School Trustees Association.
He also says the pause in talks is only temporary and is a necessary step toward the BCTF’s desire to bargain directly with government on provincial issues.
However, he says before negotiations can resume, all sides must create a roadmap toward a 10-year deal — something the BCTF has already openly opposed.
