The B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) is seeking approval for a province-wide strike to escalate job action to a full withdrawal of services.
In Grand Forks, teachers worked bell-to-bell on Monday, where teachers arrived at school five minutes early and left five minutes after school.
During lunchtime, teachers met in staff rooms to discuss what was going on and allowed them the opportunity to ask questions.
After school, teachers held a peaceful demonstration outside of A&W, Flexus gym and other areas along Central Avenue.
“We’re not going to be waving scabbards,” stated Norm Sabourin, president of the Boundary District Teachers’ Association. “We just want to be out there and be seen.”
According to Sabourin, the BCTF will be meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday to decide whether there will be a province-wide strike vote.
“Like with our phase one, the plan was to put pressure on the employer, the government, to bargain with us,” explained Sabourin.
“The plan here is to put pressure on BCPSEA (B.C. Public School Employers’ Association) and the government to bargain. The BCTF pushed hard for a mediated settlement recently and upon hearing of our upcoming strike vote, they reluctantly agreed to go into mediation.”
Sabourin stated the BCTF would like to see more co-operation with the government.
“We’re hoping for a strong strike vote in favour of escalating (job action) and then not have to use it,” he said.
“We’re hoping we can use it for leverage to help come to an agreement. We don’t want to be legislated.”
Superintendent of Schools for School District 51 Michael Strukoff stated, “There seems to be a pattern between the disputes between BCTF and the government. In our particular case, I don’t foresee anything happening this week and then there is two weeks until we’re on spring break.”
Strukoff pointed out the outcome is still uncertain about whether or not services will be withdrawn.
“I truly hope both parties find some alternatives and allow the kids to continue with school and things return to normal by the end of spring break,” he concluded.
The ballot question teachers will be asked is: Are you in favour of escalating job action to a full withdrawal of services?
The decision was not available by press time.