CUPE K-12 Update on BCTF Actions & Legislation

CUPE members proudly supported the BCTF Day of Action on Monday in support of teacher’s collective bargaining rights. Today, there were two significant developments in K-12.

Bill 22

Government introduced Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act. This bill purports to resolve the BCTF dispute by instituting a cooling off period that forbids strike or lockout and includes terms of reference for a mediator who will assist BCTF & BCPSEA to reach an agreement within those terms. The terms include net zero for two years, a cooling off period, and hefty fines for members and unions who are violate the legislation.

CUPE does not support legislative action by any government that interferes in the process of collective bargaining.

Read Bill 22 here http://leg.bc.ca/39th4th/1st_read/gov22-1.htm

Essential Services Order – BCTF Escalation of Job Action

In addition to Bill 22, on February 28 the Labour Relations Board issued its interim essential service order on BCTF Escalation of Job Action. The interim order provides, in part, that:

Ø Teachers may withdraw their services fully for up to three consecutive days upon giving notice of no less than two school days

Ø After the initial three day withdrawal, the BCTF may withdraw their services fully for 1 out of 5 school days per week upon at least two school days notice

Ø While teachers are at work, they must perform at least the duties they were performing under their Phase I job action

Ø During any job action, BCTF will not picket, block access or egress or otherwise restrict or cause to be restricted in any way, the full and complete access to schools by CUPE and other members of support unions or impede the operation of other employers who occupy the same premises as schools or other districts

Ø The parties will work with the Board to complete a final essential service order

The order is attached for your information.

Normally CUPE members always respect picket lines.  However in this situation, where there is no picket line, we report to work. K-12 Support staff will not encounter pickets and will go to work at their regular work place and time. We have been assured by BCPSEA that school district employers will not close schools or layoff members during the dispute. We remain in constant communication with the BCTF around next steps. Expect more information as it becomes available. Please direct questions to your National Representative.

In Solidarity,
 
Bill Pegler
CUPE K-12 Coordinator