B.C. teachers' union and provincial government fail to reach eleventh hour labour deal
The B.C. Teachers’ Federation and the provincial government have failed to reach a deal in their negotiations.
A full-scale, province-wide teachers’ strike beginning tomorrow appears to be imminent.
In a statement issued this morning, B.C. Education Minister Peter Fassbender said bargaining went on all weekend until breaking late Sunday night, with plans to continue Monday.
Fassbender added: “Specifics around proposals will be shared when appropriate, but I can say that BCPSEA tabled a significant, affordable and creative set of proposals to help end the stalemate, get kids back in school and create long-term stability for parents, students and teachers. BCPSEA worked hard to put its best foot forward.
“They tabled a comprehensive settlement that includes an improved wage offer and commits to realistic and flexible solutions to address class composition.
Fassbender says what the BCPSEA has put together is fair for teachers, taxpayers, and “the 150,000 public-sector workers who’ve already reached agreements.”
Right now the goal is to have an agreement in place by June 30.
stability.”
In a press conference that began at 10 a.m. today, BCTF President Jim Iker offered remarks about the current state of the negotiations.
Iker counters Fassbender’s claim that bargaining was actively taking place over the weekend:
Jim Iker says they didn't bargain all weekend, he says #BCTF put fair and reasonable package on the table then waited 48 hours #BCEd @CKNW
— Neetu Garcha (@NeetuCKNW980) June 16, 2014
In terms of the details of the offers and counter-offers, CTV reports Iker “said the union reduced its salary proposal to eight per cent for a five-year deal, while the B.C. government reduced its wage offer from 7.25 per cent to 7 per cent.”
And a bit more about the money:
@bctf proposed 8% over 5yrs + $5000 signing bonus. Gov countered w/ option of 7% over 6yrs or 8.5% over 7yrs + $1200 bonus. #cbc #bcpoli
— Stephen Smart (@CBCSmart) June 16, 2014
#bctf says $5,000 signing bonus is fair considering the wage concessions teachers have already made. #bced
— LizaCKNW980 (@lizaCKNW980) June 16, 2014
Currently it appears there will be no talks today, and the matter of summer school not yet addressed.
No bargaining today. BCTF executive meeting to discuss next moves. No word yet on summer school.
— CityNews Vancouver (@CitytvNews) June 16, 2014
The BCTF on what’s next:
#bced talks can continue, but government must do better than reduced wages, fact-finding committee, and attempt to bypass courts #bcpoli
— BCTF (@bctf) June 16, 2014
More to come…