The president of the Sea to Sky Teachers’ Association is pleased the labour dispute between the B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the provincial government is over, but said teachers aren’t totally pleased with the deal.
The new collective agreement meant children returned to school and public school teachers will receive a 7.25 per cent wage increase over six years. It also eliminates the E80 clause that makes reference to class size and composition while also giving teachers more prep time and a fund for hiring more teachers.
Carl Walker, the president of the teachers’ association in the Sea to Sky corridor, said Squamish teachers have mixed feelings about the deal reached at 3:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16 then ratified two days later by the members of the BCTF.
“We’re pleased that we’re returning to work,” said Walker on the first day back to school. “I know that teachers are excited about working with their students and colleagues again. We certainly didn’t achieve all of our bargaining goals.”
Walker described the feeling for teachers as bitter sweet.
“We were out for six weeks and still a lot of our issues aren’t being fully addressed,” he added.
“We will continue to advocate for better supports for our students even though the bargaining phase is over. We’re now looking at trustee elections and we’ll continue to ensure that students get the support they deserve.”
Walker said teachers made modest improvements with the new deal. He noted that further improvements could be made ahead of the next contract.
“We have high school classes where half the students are designated,” Walker said of students with special needs and individual learning plans.
“They’re not getting the support they need,” Walker said. “This isn’t going to change overnight but we’re hoping over the course of the agreement there will be more supports for them [students].”
Class size and composition issues remain before the courts.
“We all know this deal isn’t perfect, but it provides some gains for teachers, protects our Charter rights, and increases support for students,” said BCTF president Jim Iker during a news conference on Sept. 18 to deliver the results of the ratification vote.
Education Minister Peter Fassbender also issued a statement after the ratification vote.
“This long-term agreement is an historic opportunity to work together for students – to enhance their education experience and to support their achievements,” wrote Fassbender.
The five weeks of instructional time missed in June and this month is not going to be made up.
“Our understanding is that no missed time will be made up,” said Iker when he was asked about the issue. “The ministry of education has determined that the current calendar will continue.”
