BC Teachers’ Federation supports Alberta strike; advocating for similar changes

Teachers in B.C. are watching closely as a provincewide strike of educators in Alberta enters its second day.

The BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF), the labour union that represents public school teachers, says it stands in solidarity with educators on the other side of the Rockies.

Namely, because the BCTF finds itself also at the bargaining table at the moment.

The union is looking for similar changes to working conditions like of those in Alberta, including increased wages.

“We have Members across the province who are paying attention to what’s happening in Alberta because we’re also at the bargaining table and we are looking for similar improvements to our working conditions and fair wages during this round of bargaining as well,” said Carol Gordon, the president of the BCTF.

BCTF has been bargaining with the province since this spring and has been without a contract since the end of June.

While B.C. teachers are not on strike, Gordon says the BCTF would not rule it out if working conditions do not improve.

“We are in solidarity with the Alberta teachers. We know how difficult it can be at the bargaining table. We know how difficult it can be with a government that is scheming against you to not support the work that you are trying to do on behalf of children,” Gordon told 1130 NewsRadio.

She says both provinces are dealing with similar challenges, including teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and the need for fair wages.

“Teachers are struggling with not enough time to meet student needs. They don’t have enough resources. They don’t have enough people. It’s like a sort of a full circle,” Gordon said.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association’s job action is marking the largest labour walkout in the province’s history, with 51,000 members taking part and impacting over 700,000 students.

With files from Raynaldo Suarez.