As B.C. teachers prepared to vote on escalating job action and a potential full-scale strike, BCTF President Jim Iker announced last week that rotating strikes will continue across the province until June 13.
No walkouts were planned for Monday and BCTF members were voting Monday and Tuesday on authorizing the union to move to a full-scale walkout. Three days notice is required before a full-scale walkout can take place.
The Saanich School District will strike this Friday, June 13.
“B.C. teachers remain committed to negotiating a fair and reasonable deal that provides better support for our students,” said Iker last week.
“It’s time for Premier Christy Clark to provide the employer with new funding that will help bring the two sides closer together on class size, composition, staffing levels for specialist teachers, and wages.”
The Teacher’s Union is currently asking for a 9.75 per cent wage increase over four years. The government has offered 7.3 per cent over six years, along with a $1,200 signing bonus if a deal is made before the end of June.
Meanwhile, the Saanich School District has altered their report card and grade schedule to try and accommodate students and teachers.
On Thursdsy, June 12, teachers plan to enter letter grades and work habits on report cards for Grade 6, 7, 8 and 9 students and percentages and work habits for Grade 10, 11 and 12 students.
The provincial government has said all school based and provincial exams will take place as scheduled and the school district has made an application to the Labour Relations Board for an essential services order.
The district expects to hear later this week whether or not exams will go on as planned but are encouraging students to plan as if they are.
Parents and students can find the latest information on job action in the district at www.sd63.bc.ca.
— With files from Tom Fletcher