The BC government has agreed to the BCTF’s request to bring in a mediator to help settle their contract dispute. Both sides are hoping a deal can be reached by the end of the month
Chief Government Negotiator Peter Cameron says the BCTF’s choice, Vince Ready, might not be able to start talks this weekend. Ready hasn’t said whether he’s willing to wade into the issue either.
But Mike Ball, President of the Nanaimo District Teachers Association, says the BCTF believes Ready is the best man for the job.
Ball says Nanaimo teachers are planning a rally for Monday. It will start at 4:00pm at the Nanaimo Curling Club and teachers will march to Maffeo Sutton Park for 5:00pm, where there will be speakers from BCTF and the BC Federation of Labour, along with teacher, parents and students.
Meanwhile, Louise Herle, President of the Sunshine Coast Teachers Association, says the strike has been financially tough on teachers, since they’re picketing without strike pay. But she says the issue goes beyond this particular dispute, and it’s time to stand up for BC students.
The main issue remain wages and funding to address issues like class size and composition.
