Approximately 5,000 people gathered at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver this afternoon for a high-sprited rally in support of the striking BC teachers. The Vancouver rally was one of 18 demonstrations in support of teachers taking place across British Columbia today and tomorrow.
The rally, sponsored by the British Columbia Labour Federation, included a strong showing of support of workers from other sectors including the CUPE, Longshoremen, IBEW, Hospital Employee’s Union, BC Government and Services Employees’ Union, Telecommunications Workers Union (and others), as well many parents, and students.
Speakers included BCTF President Jinny Sims, BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair, CUPE President Barry O’Neill, Canadian Federation of Teachers President Winston Carter, Vancouver School Board Trustee Allan Wong, and parent Annie Ehman (among others).
Speeches focused on the provincial government’s failure to negotiate with teachers and it’s assault on collective bargaining through anti-worker legislation.
Throughout the rally there were repeated calls from the demonstrators for a general strike. News 1130 radio in Vancouver is reporting that “some unions are now talking about the idea of a general strike to support teachers in their fight. This would, in the opinion of many at the rally, bring the province to a standstill and hopefully get the government back to the bargaining table.”
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