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Vince Ready’s ReportDownload file.

BCTF to hold province wide vote.
BC Liberal Government to consider report overnight.BCTF Report on the discussions with facilitator, Vince Ready
Source: BCTF

BACKGROUND

* On Monday night Vince Ready called the BCTF to say that he’d been appointed as a facilitator to promote discussions that could lead to a resolution of the dispute.
* The Full-Time Table Officers, supported by staff, met with Vince Ready four times over Tuesday and Wednesday.

PUBLIC GOVERNMENT RESPONSES

* Said they would not meet with teachers while we are on the protest lines.
* Would not admit that they were one of the parties working with Vince Ready.
* Premier and Minister of Labour spoke about changes to the School Act to make improvements.
* Acknowledged need to address class size and class composition.
* Reiterated that the round table on learning was the venue for learning conditions discussions.

GOVERNMENT POSITION IN THE DISCUSSIONS WITH READY

* No wage increase in a two-year agreement.
* No to a third year in this agreement.
* No to other forms of compensation, including benefit improvements and payment of Salary Indemnity Plan fee, although this is paid for most other public-sector workers.
* No contract language on learning conditions.
* Nothing that could be seen as rewarding teachers.

BCTF POSITION IN DISCUSSION WITH READY TO DATE

* Zero/zero mandate should not apply to teachers because teachers have paid a high price through the contract stripping in 2002.
* Were prepared to take 0% in the first year on salary, and work at other forms of compensation on the understanding that there would be a salary increase in the second and third years.
* Needed to see improvements for teachers on call.
* Must have class-size limits and class composition guarantees that are grievable.

BCTF PROPOSAL FOR RESOLUTION

BCTF representatives will be bringing the following elements for resolution into the discussion with Vince Ready today:

1. Amendments to the School Act to include:

– class-size limits for Grades 4-12 and limits for classes that have safety and exceptional learning issues, including the successful integration of students with special needs.

– staffing ratios for specialist teachers, such as teacher-librarians, counsellors, and learning assistance teachers.

2. Funding and a process for support for students with special needs that will:

– involve the school-based team (professionals working with the student’s parent).

– protect the confidentiality of the student.

3. a three-year agreement that provides stability to the system and allows time for relationships to improve.

4. salary and benefits improvements in years two and three of the agreement.

TEACHERS COMMITMENT AND DETERMINATION

These elements reflect teachers continued willingness to reach a resolution. We are determined to make improvements for students and for teachers, but we are also problem-solvers. We call on the government to work through the Ready process in the same spirit of co-operation. This is not the time for threats, inflexibility, or posturing.

Teachers are tremendously encouraged by public support. We thank the many, many parents and concerned community members who have expressed their support. We call on them once again to encourage government to acknowledge the best intention of teachers and needs that must be met in our public schools.

We are also heartened by the fact that over 40 school boards have called on the government to either repeal Bill 12, negotiate a settlement, and/or repeal Bill 12.

Teachers remain incredibly strong and determined to make improvements for students and to achieve a fair settlement for teachers. Our goal remains a settlement that meets the needs of students and teachers in this province.

For more information on the specific language being proposed by the Federation, contact your local office.

Kitsilano Secondary Parents Demonstrate Support for Teachers

Students, parents and teachers are all hoping for a swift and and satisfactory outcome to the current labour dispute. Our support for the long-term working relationships in our school community is needed now more than ever.

Members of the Kitsilano school community–past and present– came out this morning to show their respect for the men and women who teach our children. Parents, grandparents, friends, teachers and even a handful of family pets joined a festive gathering on the picket line this morning.

While were were there a representative of the VSTA came to speak with striking teachers. She reported on the BCTF press conference. It was evident that the teachers on the line are very supportive of the actions of the union and their comments brought home to the rest of us the seriousness of this struggle.

One can’t help but feel that our government really has no interest in working with our teachers. Nor is one left with any idea that the government cares about public education in any fundamental way. What the government does seem to care about is winning at all cost.

But, a win at all cost approach is going to cost us the working people of this province. Political leaders and their behind the scenes backers can take joy rides in foreign countries but back home they act the school yard bully. We need to increase the pressure on this government and their backers. We need to keep the support on the line. If we are to keep our public education intact we will need to expand our support networks and stand beside our teachers on the line!

Charles

Teachers propose solutions; government remains entrenched

Teachers propose solutions; government remains entrenched

In a bold bid to spark a more creative problem-solving approach to the current dispute, the B.C. Teachers’ Federation is taking the unusual step of releasing publicly its proposals for a solution.Federation President Jinny Sims said the BCTF is pleased that talks are continuing today with the assistance of Vince Ready, and she remains optimistic a settlement can be reached soon.

“We want to inform teachers, parents, and students of the BCTF’s willingness to seek common ground and find solutions that will work for teachers and students in our schools,” she said.

Below are the elements of settlement that teachers will be bringing to the process facilitated by Mr. Ready today.

1. Amendments to the School Act to include:

– class-size limits for Grades 4 through 12 and limits for classes that have safety and exceptional learning issues, including the successful integration of students with special needs.

– staffing ratios for specialist teachers, such as teacher-librarians, counsellors, and learning assistance teachers.

2. Funding and a process for support for students with special needs that will involve the school-based team (the professionals working with the student’s parent) and will protect the confidentiality of the student:

– a three-year agreement that provides stability to the system and allows time for relationships to improve.

– reasonable improvements in salary and benefits in years 2 and 3 of the agreement.

“These elements reflect teachers’ continued willingness to reach a resolution,” Sims said. “We are determined to make improvements for students and, but we are also problem-solvers.”

Sims called on the government representatives to work through the process with Mr. Ready in the same spirit of co-operation. “This is not the time for threats, inflexibility, or posturing,” she said.

Sims said teachers continue to be tremendously heartened by the strong public support they are receiving on the picket lines throughout B.C.

We are so grateful for the cards, cookies, coffee, and other expressions of support that have come from parents, students, and concerned citizens across the province,” Sims said.

“As well, our co-workers in CUPE have demonstrated outstanding solidarity, along with members of the BCGEU, and the IUOE. And of course, I also want to acknowledge all affiliates of the B.C. Federation of Labour for joining us in taking such a strong stand against Bill 12.”

Sims said teachers are also very encouraged by the fact that more than 40 school boards have urged the government to take actions including negotiating a settlement with teachers, repealing Bill 12, and even abolishing the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association.

Sims also spoke out to her own members, thanking them for their strength and courage. “Our teachers remain incredibly strong on the picket lines, and united in our determination to reach a settlement that meets the needs of students and teachers in this province,” Sims said. “We believe that this proposal is a solution.”

For more information, contact Nancy Knickerbocker, BCTF media relations officer, at
604-871-1881 (office) or 604-250-6775 (cell).

News Release October 20, 2005

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Vancouver Parent Demostrations Spread!

Rallies and Demonstrations at Three Vancouver Schools Today, Thursday, October 20.
Parents Care; Teachers Care; Support our Teachers on the Line!
parents.jpg
Source:PRDTU

Kitsilano Parents to Rally at 10:00 am (see details in earlier entry)

Tyee Elementary Parents to Rally in Support of Teachers at 12:00 noon.
(Vancouver) Parents at Tyee Elementary School will be holding a rally to support striking teachers on Thursday, October 20.

Tyee parents are inviting others to join them at Tyee Elementary to show support and appreciation for teachers around the province – bring signs and noise makers.

Thursday October 20; 12:00 – 1:00pm
Tyee Elementary, 3525 Dumfries (19th and Knight)
(For more information please contact Helesia Luke at 778.858.0553)

Queen Victoria Elementary Parents to Rally at 2:30 pm, Thursday, October 20, 2:30 p.m.

Rally at the cul de sac on 4th, one block east of Commercial
If you are driving, please park on Victoria near 4th

Protest Songs and BBQ