Bargaining reaches an impasse without meaningful funding for classroom conditions

Posted by ReyFort Media

VANCOUVER, BC—Collective bargaining between BC’s 52,000 teachers and the BC Public School Employers’ Association reached an impasse yesterday due to government’s unwillingness to recognize the support needed to improve classroom conditions in schools.

While the employer has offered general wage increases in line with other public sector unions, it has refused to provide additional funding to address priorities like working conditions that other public sector workers have received. The BC Teachers’ Federation says this decision directly affects students’ learning environments and access to the attention and support they need.

“Teachers are being asked to accept less support for students than other public sectors have received for their work. That means fewer resources to address student mental health, overcrowded classrooms, and growing workload pressures in schools,” BCTF President Carole Gordon said.

“Other public sector unions secured funding to manage issues like workload because it affects the quality of services they provide. Students deserve the same consideration.”

Teachers report increasing class complexity and violence due to unmet needs, as well as reduced time for lesson preparation, assessment, and individualized student support. In a recent survey of teachers, half reported a higher workload over the previous year, and 14% said it was unlikely they would still be teaching in two years’ time. Fewer than one-quarter of teachers felt that students’ academic, social, and emotional needs were being met.

“Teachers love their students and their communities. Every day, they step in to fill gaps in the system so kids can learn, feel safe, and thrive. But those gaps are growing,” said Gordon.

Teachers have come to the bargaining table in good faith 35 times since contract negotiations began in March. They have consistently raised concerns about classroom conditions and proposed solutions; however, the employer has rejected those proposals and has not put forward meaningful alternatives. Without targeted investment to address these pressures, students will continue to feel the impact.

If teachers received the same funding as other public sector unions, the Federation believes progress could be made in the following areas:

• more counsellors so every student has access to mental health and emotional support
  • The NDP has yet to deliver on its campaign promise of one counsellor for every school.
  • In North America, the average ratio is one school counsellor per 250 kids. In BC, the average is one counsellor per 693 kids.
• class size limits for Grades 4 to 12 for all districts within the collective agreement—specifically those without existing language on the topic in their local collective agreements
• more preparation time for teachers to make lesson plans, connect with parents, and give individualized support and attention to every student
• salary improvements at the low end of the pay grid to attract more new teachers to the profession.

“Teachers want what parents want: a positive learning environment where every child feels supported,” Gordon said. “We’re disappointed that government is asking kids to wait another four years for classroom improvements.”

The union will be consulting with members on next steps in the days ahead.

Updates to the public will be provided early and often.

About the BC Teachers’ Federation

The BC Teachers’ Federation represents more than 52,000 teachers and advocates for a free, inclusive, and quality public education system where the learning needs of all students can be met.