Teachers prepare for job action

Contract talks have resumed between the teachers and the provincial government, but it doesn't look like a deal will be reached before school starts Sept. 7.

Teachers want to see wage increases, better benefits and the ability to have more control over class size and composition in their new contract. But the government is pushing a zero-increase mandate across the public sector and said it will not grant wage increases.

Without a resolution on the horizon, teachers are now planning phase one of their job action, which will commence on the first day of school, Sept. 7, if no significant progress is made at the bargaining table.

The job action will result in a lack of supervision by teachers at lunchtime and before and after school.

However, School District 46 (SD46) board chair Silas White said SD46 is currently working on a plan that will ensure children are supervised by other district employees.

Sunshine Coast Teachers Association (SCTA) president Louise Herle said parents will likely not notice any change during phase one of the proposed job action.

"Parents and students can expect regular school hours and classes. Teachers may arrange meetings with individual parents as needed and will continue to communicate with administrators regarding service to students with special needs," she said. "As usual, teachers will work diligently to deliver B.C.'s Ministry of Education curriculum and to ensure the best interests of all students are supported. Teachers may choose to continue with extra-curricular activities during phase one."

What phase two of job action might entail has not yet been identified, but teachers hope a contract can be agreed upon before job action escalates.

On Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, teachers will meet with SD46 for local bargaining. White said he looks forward to resuming talks with the teachers.

"We have wonderful teachers on the Sunshine Coast, and a good relationship with the local, so we look forward to proceeding with local negotiations. But really as far as the provincial negotiations go, we're on the sidelines," White said.