METRO VANCOUVER — B.C. teachers are now facing lockouts and wage cuts beginning Monday, according to a letter sent to the B.C. Teachers' Federation on Wednesday.
“Contrary to your comments, BCPSEA is responding reluctantly but given BCTF’s position, BCPSEA has no option,†reads the three-page message addressed to the BCTF and president Jim Iker.
According to the letter obtained and shared by News 1130, the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association is prepared to lock out teachers beginning Monday, the first day of the BCTF’s four-day rotating strike.
Teachers who are scheduled to work during the strike are also being warned to expect a five-per-cent salary cut, while those who actually walk off the job should expect a 10-per-cent cut. The BCPSEA maintains the cut is to reflect “reduced pay for reduced work.â€
The BCPSEA is also not allowing teachers to arrive at school any earlier or leave school any later than 45 minutes. Teachers are also being instructed not to work during recess or lunch hours.
“Last week, BCPSEA made a significant move on the term of the agreement and offered a signing bonus,†reads the letter. “To date, BCTF has given no indication it will be making a significant change in its position which would be expected in collective bargaining and is very disappointing.â€
The letter also outlines plans for a two-day lockout of high school teachers that will take place on June 25 and 26, followed by a one-day provincial lockout of all teachers on June 27, which could affect grad celebration and year-end events throughout B.C.
The BCPSEA letter notes the June lockouts will be cancelled if the BCTF agrees to ratify the current proposed deal prior to June 25. A settlement bonus of $1,200 also remains on the table should an agreement be reached and ratified by the end of June.
The BCTF announced this week its members will hold walkouts in every school district across the province, with each district affected for one day between next Monday and Thursday. The job action also means extracurricular activities, such as field trips, will be cancelled.
Union members voted 89 per cent in favour of striking in March, and teachers stopped supervising students outside the classroom or communicating in writing to administrators during the first phase of job action.
Both sides remain firmly divided over wages, class size, the composition of those classes and the length of the contract term.
The government and BCPSEA backed off its initial proposal for a 10-year contract, replacing it with a six-year agreement, and also offered a $1,200 signing bonus.
For more stories from the Province, click here.
— With a file from CP