I would like to start out addressing the BCTF job action from a different perspective.
In my opinion Bill 22 has been implemented because the BCTF are unreasonable with negotiations, in the past 30 years the teachers have only settled once without the use of a mediator (at what cost?) regardless what political party is in power. No other union has utilized mediators as frequently as the BCTF. If this sets precedence,
thank the BCTF for their unreasonable practices.
If the BCTF are successful and raises/benefits are approved the 'me too' clause means raises to all union members when their contracts expire and negotiations begin. That means, tax increases to people who are already taxed beyond their means.
Prince George teachers are ranked 9th in the Country as far as salary is concerned, but, if you factor in their benefits, they're actually 4th. Here's an outline of what P.G. teachers are paid at their 'top out'.
Now - if they receive a 15 per cent increase over three years.
Catagory 4 - $65,414.00
Catagory 4- $75,226.00
Catagory 5 - $74,410.00
Catagory 5- $85,571.00
Catagory 5+ -$79,888.00
Catagory 5+ -$91,871.00
Catagory 6 - $81,525.00
Catagory 6+ - $93,759.00
BCTF demands can be found at http://bctf.ca/publications/BCTFNews/aspx
When you factor in two months, one week for summer holidays, two weeks for
Christmas holidays and one week for spring break - teachers work nine months
a year, do the math, their paycheques are quite substantial.
Comments like: "We paid for our education, we're entitled to what we're asking for". You chose your career, you knew what you were getting into, don't use that angle, or "We're doing this for the children," I don't see how your pay increases and excess benefits are helping any children, except your own. The tax increases alone will add extra burdens to struggling families.
I am growing tired of all the labels being placed on children so that it falls under the special needs umbrella so you can ask for more funding, sounds like less work, more pay should be the real basis of your negotiations.
Many unions have accepted the net zero mandate, two MLA's in the P.G./Omineca riding have also accepted net zero and taken a 10 per cent pay cut in order to help with this struggling economy, - so, I wonder why it is the BCTF think they're the exception to the rule, why they place themselves in a higher standing than everyone else. Time to do some research people, I have and I'm not impressed with the BCTF.
L.Latita
Prince George.
