BCTF calls government contract proposal unconstitutional
Posted December 22, 2013 3:04 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Teachers are heading into the holiday season uncertain over what’s to come in bargaining. The BC Teachers’ Federation has rejected the latest government contract proposal over concerns it would take away some constitutional rights.
Those worries surround teacher workload, the start and end dates for the school year, teacher evaluation and due process as well as time for teachers to prepare class content.
According to the union, the proposal could strip them of more rights than a contract in 2002 deemed unconstitutional by BC’s Supreme Court.
The government says it’s simply looking for flexibility as it works to implement the BC Education Plan. The BCTF says it’s not clear what is impeding that plan from going forward.
Both sides are also at odds over language on harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace. The union is worried harassment complaints from teachers could be subject to discipline in order to protect administrators.
Negotiations will resume in January, with the last day of bargaining scheduled for a day after the provincial budget is tabled in February, but the BCTF claims the government hasn’t agreed to any dates past that time.
