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Suggestions for resolving dispute

The following letter was sent to Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education, and Jim Iker, president, BC Teachers’ Federation, and copied to Coast Reporter.

 

The following letter was sent to Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education, and Jim Iker, president, BC Teachers’ Federation, and copied to Coast Reporter.

Communities, parents and students around the province are desperate for a speedy resolution to the current impasse in teacher bargaining. The public is asking both parties to put the needs of students and public education in B.C. at the forefront. That means some movement and willingness to take a risk.

The Board of Education of School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) recognizes the clear lack of agreement for unconditional binding arbitration indicates that it is not a practical or promising route to a stable resolution. But there is a way forward to help schools open very quickly.

We urge the parties to jointly request that Vince Ready publicly release a report as soon as possible with non-binding recommendations on proposed changes to the bargaining positions of both parties. This report should include consideration of arbitration and what if any conditions around arbitration might be appropriate.

The credibility and trust invested in Mr. Ready makes this option a viable solution. The public, including teachers, parents and boards, has a right to know what the most respected mediator in the province recommends after several weeks of working with the parties. Non-binding, public recommendations will ensure that if there is no change in the parties’ positions after the report, the people of B.C. will know why.

Please give Mr. Ready the authority and the mandate to effectively proceed with his job and report to the public with recommendations.