[Canada] BC Teachers move to escalate strike to a full blown walkout as early as March 2nd - Polidicks

[img]http://www.vancouversun.com/6213005.bin?size=440x300[/img] [quote]Teachers took to the street Monday as Education Minister George Abbott took to the airwaves with an education showdown looming. Parents began scouting out alternative arrangements as the B.C. Teachers Federation applied with the Labour Relations Board for the right to extend its strike with the Labour Relations Board — which could happen as early as this Friday. Abbott and BCTF president Susan Lambert ramped up the rhetoric and traded volleys on radio stations Monday as the public-relations war went into overdrive. Teachers lined First Avenue in Vancouver to educate commuters about the long-simmering dispute, appearing to have the public’s ear based on the frequent honks of support. “It’s encouraging. It really makes us feel good,” said Lord Nelson Elementary teacher Susan Russell, waving a handmade sign reading “Liberal Bullies!” “Pink Day is coming,” said Russell, part of a large contingent gathered at the First Avenue corners at Nanaimo, Commercial, and Victoria Drive. “The government wants to stop bullying, but they are bullies.” Abbott — who has threatened to legislate a new contract for teachers — offered a small concession Monday to teachers, who have asked for a mediator to intervene before Abbott legislates a settlement. “I do believe the assistance of a mediator could help in the resolution of some of the issues,” said Abbott, who told radio listeners his staff are in the process of writing legislation that would provide a one-sided solution to the dispute. Other teachers rallied at the Agriplex in Surrey and at the legislature in Victoria as Lambert said a vote by teachers Tuesday and Wednesday will determine her union’s next move. “We’re asking our colleagues to think about the next step in the collective bargaining process,” Lambert told The Province. “It’s a very tricky landscape with the minister threatening to impose legislation. “The provincewide internal poll will ask teachers about their options, up to and including a full-scale withdrawal. We’re on strike now, but it would be an escalation.” Jim Edmondson stood at the corner of First and Victoria Drive, and got plenty of loud response to his sign, “Honk because strong public education equals strong democracy.” “It’s quite amazing the amount of support there is,” said Edmondson. “The public is behind the teachers. “Public education is a cornerstone of democratic society.” Where this week’s showdown will end is anyone’s guess. The B.C. Liberals could bring in legislation, but that would require debate in the legislature, so a settlement is unlikely before next week. Teachers will announce the results of their vote Wednesday night or Thursday, and potentially could walk out as early as Friday if the Labour Relations Board allows it. Read more: [url]http://www.theprovince.com/teachers+hold+street+rallies+tensions+with+ministry+escalate/6218594/story.html#ixzz1ndmn8f5N[/url] [/quote] Source:[url]http://www.theprovince.com/news/bc/Teachers+strike+could+escalate+after+union+vote+BCTF/6218594/story.html[/url] and teachers I know

Saw this happen on news, though after school so they would not interrupt classes.

I remember the 2005 strike. In the middle of Social Studies the principal announces over the PA to all teachers that he is required to notify them that they are now on strike. The teacher gave us that look that said "get out of here" and we all went home at 1:45 in the afternoon.

I remember a strike that happend a few years ago,we still got a work package over the strike it was total bullshit.

Related: [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zk1V9TzN7E[/media] Sucks that the job action is wrecking my last year of high school. No field trips :(

My Physics teacher thinks this is slavery since he's forced to work for little pay unless he wants to loose his job.

They honestly bitch far too much.

I for one welcome a 2 week strike before a 3 week spring break

[QUOTE=Zenreon117;34904964]I for one welcome a 2 week strike before a 3 week spring break[/QUOTE] I would totally agree with you if it wasn't for all my important classes being this semester, this strike royally fucks me over.

[QUOTE=MIPS;34903992]I remember the 2005 strike. In the middle of Social Studies the principal announces over the PA to all teachers that he is required to notify them that they are now on strike. The teacher gave us that look that said "get out of here" and we all went home at 1:45 in the afternoon.[/QUOTE] Aww yeah. The 2005 strike was great.

I'm worried as i'm currently in grade 12, will this fuck my grades over?

[QUOTE=Charlievrw;34905490]I'm worried as i'm currently in grade 12, will this fuck my grades over?[/QUOTE] Not unless your teacher is a raging douche. Most will exempt, or accommodate for lost marks and holes in curriculum. But if you want to take an exam your probably fucked. Then again BC has its own exam system so they might even accommodate for that.