Today, we voted to ratify the agreement-in-committee reached on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 with the government’s bargaining agent, the BC Public School Employers’ Association. A total of 31,741 teachers cast ballots and 27,275 voted yes, 86%. “This was a very tough round of negotiations and a difficult time for many of us on strike, but we successfully pushed back against concession demands. The 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. Iker also told reporters during a news conference this evening that a negotiated agreement was not possible without the amazing strength of teachers on the picket line and their passion for the profession. “Teachers, you have inspired me day in and day out for the last 18 months. Thank you for standing strong and doing what you believe is right.” We know next week will be incredibly busy for all of you as you set up your classrooms, review class configurations, finalize timetables, and plan engaging lessons and activities for your students. Here at the BCTF, we will focus on ensuring the gains in this agreement begin to flow to teachers as soon as possible. We want to thank all members for all of their ongoing efforts, huge amounts of time, and steadfast commitment to inform the public about our cause and the need for a better public education system. Your energy and creativity were incredible. You put public education at the top of the political agenda. And to local presidents, local executive members, strike coordinators, picket captains, food runners, and everyone else who worked to keep our strike strong and organized, thank you. Your work made this strike unbelievably vibrant and visible. Thank you to our support staff colleagues from a host of unions including numerous CUPE locals, Teamsters Local 31, Steelworkers Local 1-80, BCGEU Local 710, CMAW Local 2423, IUOE Locals 959, 963, 882B, WVMEA, CCNSTA, and the VSB Poly Party Local 213. You bolstered our picket lines daily and your incredible solidarity kept our spirits high. We also want to thank the thousands of parents, students, concerned citizens, and other union members who stood with us and supported us. Your support and vitality has helped renew the call for a stronger public education system. Together, we will continue our work to make public education the kind of high-quality, well-funded system every child deserves and needs. Next week you’ll be back doing what you love to do—teaching. We know our students will be thrilled we’re back together.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 04:35:10 +0000
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