First of all isn't it ridiculous to be telling teachers that they will be fined $475 or thereabouts per day, for not showing up for work. They should all apply for stress leave. I am sure they must be stressed to the limit. I have never heard of anyone being fined for not going to work before. Is this Canada. I think they should all call in sick. I am sure they must be really sick at heart.
I am totally disgusted with this government and their bullying tactics. You just don't treat people (especially your employees) like this. You don't lay down outrageous rules and then say "Let's negotiate." If that doesn't work, we will supply our own government mediator. Who would agree to that? Why not a completely independent and unbiased mediator? Perhaps a former judge to act as an ombudsman, who is trained to be non-partisan?
Last but surely not least; what kind of an atmosphere will there be in the school room? What about the students? Children are very tuned in to these things and with teachers stressed to the limit, it could be a very strained atmosphere. Also pitting the parents (who must also be very stressed), against the teachers is so unfair to everyone. The government ads that are showing up in papers and television are wrong. The emphasis was never on a raise in pay, but on more help in the overcrowded classrooms. Then to make matters worse, it is our tax money that is paying for it. Yes, we have extra money for those add, but none for the school rooms and the teachers who teach and protect our children each school day. Unbelievable.
Evelyn Rebman
Prince George
