While a full-scale strike is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, not all teachers will be able to walk off the job after today’s ruling by the Labour Relations Board (LRB).
Earlier today, the LRB sided with the provincial government, ruling that final exams and the compilation of students’ grades is an ‘essential service’. Teachers are required to submit in-class Grade 12 marks by June 20 and supervise Grade 10 to 12 students during the provincial exam period from June 16 to 24.
Local school districts will be responsible for determining how many teachers are required to fulfill exam supervisions at their schools.
In the meantime, negotiations between the BC Teachers’ Federation and the provincial government will continue in an effort to prevent the strike from occurring. The strike is not expected to end until a compromise is made or the provincial government uses its tool of last resort: back-to-work legislation.
Rotating strikes will continued as planned for the remainder of the week while schools will be closed at select districts on Monday for “study sessions” between teachers.
Featured Image: Teachers’ desk via Shutterstock
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