Once again on the leading edge of the labour movement, BC teachers are on strike across 60 school districts within the province. In a show of solidarity, community and labour advocates have vowed to support the teachers and the BCTF throughout the job action. On day 1, teachers and supporters showed up in force at 7:00 to create an informational line, keep signs up, and talk to those who dropped by or others workers continuing their work in the schools. The 7:00-10:0o shifts in Vancouver were met with inclement conditions– horizontal rain and howling wind. The weather spirits smiled on later shifts and heartfelt, with the public on their side, the teachers could smile for a few moments as well.
BC Teachers at U Hill Secondary
Within labour, an informational line is not a picket line per se. Labour disruption proves to be an effective strategy and in this case the teachers are taking advantage of an opportunity to show their strength, generate public support, and strike before the BC Legislature passes the ominous anti-union Bill 22. The BC Federation of Labour is rallying support and uniting the movement tomorrow (6 March) in Victoria.
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BC Teachers Plan Strike Vote, Gov’t Prepares Bill
CTV: B.C. teachers plan strike vote, gov’t prepares bill
The ongoing contract dispute between British Columbia teachers and the provincial government is promising to heat up before it cools down, as each side prepares its next move. Teachers have been on a limited strike since September, and while they can’t legally walk off the job, they’ve been refusing to perform administrative duties like filling out report cards.
On Friday, the BC Teachers’ Federation, which represent 41,000 members, announced it will hold strike votes province wide, asking educators Tuesday and Wednesday whether they want to escalate limited teach-only action to a full-scale walkout.
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