With years as a trade union leader and school trustee, I would like to share some personal views at this critical time in education.
First and foremost, let me say I support the free collective bargaining process. It may seem flawed, but it works in the vast majority of situations. At its best, the process allows for the free exchange of ideas, good discourse and compromise to resolve issues to mutual benefit and move forward. Both sides are then invested in the outcome. At its worst, it is about arrogance, power and stubbornness.
In the current dispute that has shut down B.C.'s public schools, there is a long history of mistrust whose recent incarnation came as a result of the provincial government arbitrarily removing class size and composition clauses from the teachers' collective agreement. In obtaining clauses on class size and composition, teachers would have chosen these over other proposals (including forgoing wage increases) that they were presented with at the time. The government gave no compensation to teachers when they removed the clauses.
The courts have ruled it was illegal to prevent teachers from bargaining their working conditions (class size and composition). The case is still before the courts, and the outcome of the government's appeal is due in October. This decision can be appealed again, and there won't be a final decision for several years. The financial cost to the BCTF and the provincial government (taxpayers) is substantial and will continue to amass.
With two B.C. Supreme Court rulings in their favour, teachers now want their usurped clauses returned to the collective agreement, and the provincial government knows the huge financial liability they face as there could be grievances dating back to 2002.
I believe this encapsulates the two side and issues. There are intangibles in that the eventual outcome of the court case is uncertain.
The government has been characterized as arrogant and mean-spirited. I cannot speak for them except to say they most certainly must realize the financial implications.
The teachers have been described as greedy and overpaid. If you listen to the comments on radio shows and social media it would be easy to believe this.
With time spent both walking the picket lines and playing hockey with them, I have come to fundamentally understand teachers.
Do they want a pay raise? Of course, but it is not to buy a bigger house or a nicer car - it is truly to recognize the job they do in educating our children. For them it is more about respect for their profession.
Do they want better working conditions?
Of course, who doesn't? The difference is that their daily classroom involvement makes them see that smaller classes don't just benefit them personally; smaller classes also make for a better learning experience for children.
Do they want better class composition?
Yes, they do, and they are prepared to defend this position to the end. The specific "mix" of students of varying abilities within a classroom and the amount of support they receive is universally recognized to be a key factor in our children's learning environment. Teachers, who are there on the front line, want more than anything to ensure that the best educational opportunities are present for the development of all kids, no matter their needs and challenges.
Teacher collective bargaining is somewhat, although not completely, unique in that they are driving social change through the process.
As I come to realize this more and more, I gain respect for their stance.
Not all teachers are altruistic, but I believe the overwhelming majority I have had conversations with are taking a stand with the best interests of students in mind.
We need a fair settlement so the public education system can reopen.
We need children in school to learn.
We need teachers onside doing the job they love to do.
Does the government economic agenda need to be satisfied?
As a taxpayer, I say it's definitely a factor. However, putting more money in now to prevent what could be even larger monetary costs once the court case is decided would save us in the long term.
We would save future court costs and potentially huge grievance settlement costs for a prudent investment now.
In all bargaining disputes, there needs to be compromise on both sides. A reasonable solution can and must be negotiated without delay. It's time to stop the finger pointing and get on with the job of negotiating a new agreement.
Ron Burton is the vice-chair of the Burnaby board of education.
