On the teacher's strike (1)
James Smith
When teachers do not comply with the rules laid out for them, the current government takes action by threatening them with fines and jail time. Our government is showing that they are unable to work as partners with the teachers.
Shirley Bond's announcement on October 6 to form a new Learning Roundtable looks like a late attempt by the government to appear as partners. But in so doing they have shown that they know they do not look this way at all.
The president of the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils said she hopes a new mechanism can be found to end the animosity. Our government is being actively hostile, with threats to the financial security and freedom of professional teachers.
Collective bargaining did not work because the government did not participate, choosing instead to impose a contract and limit what could be discussed within bargaining. By choosing force and imposing its will they made the concept of "partners in education" into a lie.
Withdrawal of services is a statement of belief and not an act of antagonism. It states that the current conditions are intolerable both within the classrooms and within the pretense of bargaining.
It is a reminder to students and parents that teachers have been actively trying to negotiate for the benefit of students and that the government has not. It is a call to others of like mind to speak up. Don't wait for the next election. Don't wait for the government to target your organisation. Act now.