BC teachers MUST realize: they will get NOWHERE with the Liberal government and school employers without job action and a major fight.
They should learn from the mistreatment and suffering of BC’s paramedics at the hands of their employers and an intransigent government under an expired contract since 2001.
The paramedics’ contract negotiations went nowhere. No surprise, when the employer knows the paramedics are an essential service and couldn’t really do much to withdraw their services … and let’s fact it: nor would they, being workers so dedicated to critical service and the public who really need them.
So they were rewarded with NOTHING. In fact, even worse … in November, 2009, just before the Winter Olympics, the government legislated their old, old agreement would continue for another year. And the paramedics have only weeks ago finally been able to get back to the “bargaining” table (Ha!) …another farce, with the government’s “net zero” mandate hanging over their heads, once more playing into the hands of the employers, art the on-going cost and suffering of the paramedics and their families.
The teachers should learn from the paramedics’ …and their own …past reality (which is what this blog always try to reflect and project).
The teachers will get NOTHING from the government without a fight.
And remember, a zero increase is actually a decrease: in light of all the increases the BC government and its agencies continue unabated to dowload on us in the form of ever-increasing fees and service charges and licences of all kinds etc. etc.
Of course, the government will try to take advantage of teachers’ standing up for their rights, trying to corner the NDP into declaring whether they support the “kids” or the “unions”. The idea of any government using kids as a way to score political points may seem outrageous, but I believe that’s exactly what the government will do … if it can.
And the Liberals’ media mouthpieces will carry lots of stories about students suffering because of teacher greed (just asking for a c.o.l.a. raise these days in the face of rising costs is seen as greed to the government messengers).
It wouldn’t occur to them …or if it did, they’d suppress it…that by raising corporate taxes NOW to fair levels… the teachers and paramedics disputes could BOTH be settled fairly and justly in very short order.
I have said it before …and I will say it again …when a government takes away a public sector union’s right to strike, they MUST bring in compulsory arbitration to get a fair settlement.
To just order them… teachers or paramedics…. to continue working, without legal recourse to a fair settlement, diminishes our society.
Harv Oberfeld
41 responses so far ↓
1 MRT // Feb 29, 2012 at 12:28 am
Hear, hear! I will never forget the feeling of being kicked in the stomach; after 32 years working in healthcare my wages were rolled back 15%. It hurt so much and also affected my pension.
2 North Vans Grumps // Feb 29, 2012 at 12:49 am
How is it that the negotiating Paramedics and the Teachers are restricted to a Net Zero “increase” when the P3 Shadow Toll Concessionaire on the Sea to Sky Highway have gone seven million dollars higher, than what was projected by the BC Liberals themselves?
3 kwm // Feb 29, 2012 at 2:51 am
I agree, Harvey! Where did this idea that those in the caring or people professions should not receive cost of living or better raises and benefits come from? The investment of time and money in university training, the cost of living and raising a family, and the desire to send children to university suddenly goes away because you’re a paramedic or teacher? You’re supposed to altruistically work harder for less? When times were good these professions were not entitled to more or better and now when times are bad, they’re even less deserving? Why doesnt this same thinking apply to the premier, MLAs, School district officials, principals and vice principals, hospital administrators, Pamela Martin…. I don’t begrudge anyone a living salary or better and I never complain about prices…but then I do expect a raise to pay every now and then. Why should teachers and paramedics be any different? So very short-sighted–using ‘kids’ or sick people as the rationale for devaluing and demoralizing a profession. Doctors and many others do exceptional work and expect exceptional pay. Why do some professions have the ‘self-esteem’ to expect a certain salary or working conditions and accept no less while others need to grovel, beg, and strike for the same? With the erosion of so many of our democratic ideals and the superficiality of our corporate media, a good education is more important than ever. Things sure are twisted.
4 kwm // Feb 29, 2012 at 3:04 am
Another thought: maybe teachers should give up the fight and keep the wages that are lost during a strike and allow the system to go to further ruin. It would then be time for school district superintendents, trustees, principals and parents to advocate for the funding needed to do the job. Managerial flexibility granted by Christy a decade ago through contract stripping and board autonomy (to manage the cuts required through underfunding) have not improved the system. They have eroded it. If teachers are accused of only wanting money, perhaps that’s all they should bargain for. Doctors don’t bargain for band aids or surgery time. Maybe teachers should leave class composition and size to outraged parents and the trustees they elect. Thank you so much for keeping your coverage real Harvey.
5 Kyle davidson // Feb 29, 2012 at 3:32 am
I want to personally thank you Harvey for your continued honesty and support of middle class workers in this province, and your support of the TRUTH!!! It gets very discouraging continually being bashed in every newspaper and on CKNW from the likes of Keith Baldrey (puppet to the libs). We teachers are in a fight right now to retain our rights won over the past 30 years, mostly through giving up on any significant wage increases. Now this government led by an unelected leader wants to strip those rights (many of which DO affect kids also ) AND put us further behind other provinces in wages.
Enough is enough.
6 Cam Bailey // Feb 29, 2012 at 3:53 am
Harvey, I wish to thank you for you continued, unwavering support of the Paramedics of this province. It is interesting that BCAS continually waves this “collective agreement” in our faces when they want to beat us down farther. It is interesting how the Labour Relations Board goes to the government to find out how to rule on any dispute the Paramedics bring up to the,. It is also interesting how a complaint of bias in the LRB is “investigated” by the very officer who is accused of said bias.
As far as I am concerned we have no collective agreement. There was nothing collective about it, and it certainly is not an agreement. We have imposed draconian laws put in by a virtual dictatorship. Their entire labour policy is to not negotiate, but legislate.
I believe any contract is only valid if both parties have agreed to it. This is most definitely not the case here.
I do so look forward to the day when Ms. Clark, Mr. Campbell, and Mr. Falcon are in adjoining cells where they belong. They have in no way earned the title “Honorable”!
7 Redthorn // Feb 29, 2012 at 4:01 am
I feel for the teachers at this point. This government can ram through any legislation they want, and all the opposition can do is stall it by every member voicing opposition to the bill, taking all night if necessary, only to have the LG come in in the morning, smile, wave to a few people and sign it into law, then just as casually as he walked in, walk out and that’s it.
I watched the debate for most of the night when the government imposed bill 21 on the paramedics of B.C. Teachers face heavy fines on each and every member and the union even more so. Rough times ahead. How about Christy and Co. roll back some of their fat, juicy increases and lead by example in these “tough times” that they so emphatically claim to be in. It’s no surprise what the Liberal
government’s agenda is… to eliminate organized labour in the province of B.C.
I don’t buy a single excuse the government cites in introducing legislation. With paramedics, they cited “H1N1″ as the main reason to bring an end to the job action.
In fact, under the essential services order (ESO) all services had to be maintained (ground, sea and air) with the exception of programs like training and continuing education. Staff who historically put in for O/T on days off had to continue to do so, or be in breach of the ESO.
So, when they forced legislation through after an all night session, it essentially dissolved the ESO and as a result, it went back to the status quo, which meant SERVICE LEVELS DROPPED, but the public was NEVER told this. In fact, we STILL get asked, “How’s the job action going”. The NDP had a communique which essentially proved that the government caved to pressure by VANOC.
What I fear more than anything Harvey, is that this province’s voters have a history of short memories of events like the one before us today, when it comes time to check the ballot at election time. Make no mistake, there’s going to be money to throw around and photo ops to seize just before the election in 2013. I just hope for once the voters are smart enough to see through the B.S. and remember what they (the government) are doing today and have done to children and families across this province…
(Response: You’re quite right about short memories. Hard for anyone who’s a political junkie to understand, but MANY voters can get scared off with a last minute bad gaff, slip of the tongue, effective campaign by the other side about a scary pending policy etc. etc …or even a promised goodies bribe. Sad but real! h.o)
8 Jeremy // Feb 29, 2012 at 7:23 am
Thanks for remembering us (Paramedics) and our fight Harvey even though everybody else has forgotten and the public just doesn’t care.
9 Jon S // Feb 29, 2012 at 7:43 am
They don’t negotiate and they never will. They just throw a contract at you and say here it is if you don’t willingly take it we will legislate it on you. End of discussion.
I was legislated back working for BCAS, 13 years part time. Glad I have left, it was 13 years of being taken advantage of. My wife is a teacher, they followed the exact same routine. Wait until some “Crisis” come up so they can justify legislation.
Can’t wait until they are gone. (at least it will only be 13 months max)
10 Kevin Bonell // Feb 29, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Love your integrity Harv. Calling a spade a spade is rare in these days of corporate media. Maybe they should change LRB to Liberal Relation Board
11 HD // Feb 29, 2012 at 3:13 pm
We need a Province wide strike for as long as it takes. If we all belonged to one Union we would have the power to fight the Liberals.
12 D. M. Johnston // Feb 29, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Personally, I do not think that the BC Government gives a cra** ass about teachers or education and treat public education as a nuisance more than anything.
Government today is about political despots giving as much of the taxpayer’s monies to fiends and cronies as they legally plan and paying teachers more, is being seen as giving less money to their friends and cronies.
I am a volunteer school sports coach and to give teacher their due, they deal with a lot of self-serving students (and parents), who think it is cool to do what they want and to hell with anybody else. At least with the boys I coach, I have made it clear that I am not paid and if you jerk me around, I’m off and they understand this.
That being said, my sons journeys through the school system have left me with a sour opinion of government/school board neglect; a dumbing down of education; and (showing my age) a feminization of elementary school, mainly due to a lack of male teachers, where boys are taught not to be boys, but little politically correct machines, who explode into little demons after the 3 o’clock bell!
Back on subject, I do believe that the BCTF are badly lead, by a lot of goody two-shoes types who fancy themselves as educational martyrs.
What needs to be done?
A complete overhaul of our educational system, how we teach and how to treat the children. I do not see that happening at all, but a status quo of educational crisis after another to suit the government in power’s political agenda.
No wonder the private schools are doing so well.
13 rr // Feb 29, 2012 at 5:09 pm
http://northerninsights.blogspot.com/2012/02/talking-tough-with-empty-words-and.html
14 cherylb // Feb 29, 2012 at 5:39 pm
I don’t believe the government has been bargaining in good faith. Who meets 75 times and can’t even come close to agreement? I’ll tell you who. A government that will not budge one iota, that’s who. And because of their obstinance they want to impose a “cooling off” period? I’d freakin’ sue, that’s what I’d do…..
15 Diverarren // Feb 29, 2012 at 5:54 pm
I hope teachers learn from the Health Service Workers and sue the Liberal government for their rights.
The BC LRB says that the teachers can conduct limited strike action and the Libs table legislation to strip the decision of the LRB. This is stunning, the LRB (based on its previous decision) looked like more like the Liberals lap dog than an independent board. the LRB makes a decision and its not anti-labour enough so out comes the legislative hammer.
When it comes to re-appointment time for the LRB I’ll bet heads will role for a decision that didn’t support the Libs 100% anti-union stance.
The teachers have a contractual right to strike- the LRB has made its “independent” judgement- the Government uses its legislative powers to overturn contractual rights. Sounds like the same set up that the Health Services Workers won their case at the Supreme Court. I hope the Teachers Union goes the same route and rams the Liberals’ bill right down their throat.
16 Allan // Feb 29, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Thanks for your support for the Paramedics and the teachers. Today is anti-bullying day. The biggest bully is the Liberal government of this province. I can tell you now that they will only get what they pay for and nothing more. To the people we serve you will get everything that we can give and more. When will the people of BC realize that this government is about them selves and big business.
17 Kathy // Feb 29, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Watching my teacher friends go through what my family went through in 2009 (my husband and I are both paramedics) brings back all the anger and disgust; that this goverment seems to believe that the people they are supposed to be serving are somehow beneath them, that we are too stupid to know what’s fair and right. That we should be grateful! I think it’s high time to fight back…
Speaking of which, Harvey – would you consider running? We need more people like you in charge. Ones who really get it, and call it like it is.
Thank you for your support.
(Response: Retirement is much more fun!
h.o.
18 Judi Sommer // Mar 1, 2012 at 1:08 am
Hi Harvey,
This round of bargaining is bizarre. The Liberals trumpet that teaching is an essential service but are unwilling to in turn to pay them under this umbrella or definition. Instead, they fall back on the old supply and demand argument for a zero raise but give nurses a raise because of supposed shortages. Then, they go to the LRB who rule teachers can strike but give reasonable notice. Then, while losing money while on strike,they are not allowed to set up ticket lines. Guess job action under this lot is supposed to be invisible. How bizarre!! I’m glad I retired 2 years ago.
Where are the parents in the fight for class size and composition? In the 90′s, in Vancouver we went on strike and settled for less in salaries to address this issue. Then Ms Clark tore up the contract as then Minister of Education until it looked like swiss cheese. Still no redress even after a jugde’s ruling.
I doubt you’ll see much defiance when teachers will be penalized-personally- $475 a day, the leadership thousands personally each day of non-compliance and the Federation $$$.
I don’t know whether you watched as I did yesterday in horrified fascination, Ms Clark having a full-blown temper tantrum when she challenged Dix on his position (yet to be debated in the House by him) on the zero mandate. He wouldn’t bite and she was admonished 3 times by the Speaker. It was quite a sight!
I doubt any advice from even Coleman can temper the mouth-that-roared. It was an appalling display by someone who is supposed to be an experienced politician. Bullying got her nowhere yesterday-pity it wasn’t on the News Hour.But I digress.
(Response: Of course, she’s frustrated: nothing she tries is working ….whether it’s efforts to goad the Opposition or impress the voters. That’s the second worst thing that can happen to leaders; the worst is when people start to laugh at their efforts. h.o)
19 John Hosie // Mar 1, 2012 at 1:58 am
Harv,
my thanks again for your very clear and concise image of whats happening in B.C. Our teachers need the support of the people and need a bump like most of us who serve people in this most expensive province in Canada.
As a 32 yr. paramedic, I’m disgusted and angered by the outright thumbing of the political noses to those who look after the health care and education needs of this province. They need to be shown that the people of this province run the province not them, maybe we need a little of France’s tactics dealing with stupidity and outright abuse by our elected politicians. They all should be ashamed of what they did to the paramedics, I fully support our teacher educators, I’m thankful that as a child growing up, someone took the time to engage me and push me towards goals of career and life in general, Keep up the great work harv, I look forward to your very accurate view of our province.. cheers !!
20 Mark // Mar 1, 2012 at 2:18 am
Thanks for calling it the way you see it, Harv! Things look very bleak indeed for the many thousands in our province who provide truly essential service while corporate profits continue to mount.
(Response: Any political bully, armed with a majority … even an un-elected one … can push people around, tear up contracts, legislate others rights away, temporarily. But it takes a real leader to move beyond photo-ops and scripted appearances to get down to REAL negotiation and MOVEMENT towards fair settlements. Trust me, eventually the people win out over dictators who deny others rights. h.o)
21 Leah // Mar 1, 2012 at 3:36 am
Net-zero only applies to those of us who are not MLA’s…it does not apply to those who are.
Page 37, 2010 MLA handbook…all MLA’s will receive a yearly raise in keeping with the BC Consumer Price Index as at December 31st of the previous year. No net-zero if you’re a piggy at the taxpayer trough.
How many ways are there to spell “hypocrite”? Shall we do it alphabetically, or with the highest paid first?
22 AJ // Mar 1, 2012 at 6:36 am
This was all ok when Canada’s greatest Prime Minister did it to the Federal Civil Service in the 1970′s though.
(Response: Who said it was all ok? And if I recall …didn’t price and wage controls extend to everyone and everything? Quite different than singling just out a few, while keeping on raising all kinds of fees, taxes, service charges, tolls. h.o.)
23 Scott // Mar 1, 2012 at 8:15 am
Re Leah’s comment. I feel the new spelling for hypocrite should be “BC Liberal MLA.” However the frustrating part is ALL MLA’s receive this increase if Leah’s comment is accurate, so where is the official opposition pointing this out so all can see the inconsistency and hypocrisy of the government. I am NO government supporter and I work in the public sector too and these jerks get a COLA whilst I see my living standard degrade month, by month with a net zero mandate. Where is the opposition on this matter, strangely silent too. I am not sure what family is first in Crispy Crunch’s agenda but it certainly isn’t mine or yours either.
24 kwm // Mar 1, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Hi and thanks again Harv! It’s also so ironic to me that the Liberals who purport to be so wise with money don’t see that every dollar that goes towards low and middle income wage earners goes directly back into the BC economy as everyone is living pay cheque to pay cheque due to the cost of living in BC. It’s not going into Swiss bank accounts or offshore investments like so much of the Olympic money. Grrr
(Response: There’s only so much money to tax and go around: by deciding who to get it from and who to spend it on, a government reveals its true philosophy…. and loyalty. h.o.)
25 Scott // Mar 1, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Please share with everyone you know that this is no longer about the money for many teachers. This is about an unjust law that will force kids in front of computers to save money, shuffle employees around at the whim of principals, and rob a generation of kids of a quality education.
Yes, education is expensive. It’s cheaper to cram more into classes and stick kids at a computer to work at their pace. We cannot let this happen if we value education.
26 Judi Sommer // Mar 1, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Hi again Harvey,
One poster mentioned the role of the LRB in all of this mess. I know these folks are appointed by the government but there seems to be no consistency in rulings. The same liberals were in power in 2005 when we went out for 10 days in a ‘political protest”. Nary a concern from this Board who felt that 10 days outside of the class was not an immediate problem. Then came the fines but that’s another issue.
Now, teachers are constrained in the timing of when they go out. In traditional labour tussles, in exchange for losing wages, some disruption was at least a pressure tactic.
As well, teachers are not allowed to picket. Is this a precedent? If so, this does not bode well for any public sector who dares to go on strike.
27 islandpapa // Mar 1, 2012 at 5:02 pm
All parents should read Mr Watson’s email. http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/02/29/b-c-education-system-on-life-support-teacher-warns/
28 Gloria // Mar 1, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Gold money, is for kings.
Silver money, is for gentlemen.
Barter money, is for peasants
Debt is the money of slaves.
Politicians are not about, what is the best for the country, provinces and the people. So to hell with the country, provinces and the people. The gold is for themselves.
29 Leah // Mar 1, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Scott – you’re right. It does apply to ALL MLA’s…and not a single one of them has stood up to say anything about it…not the NDP, Independents…certainly not the libs.
I am writing a letter today to Mr. Dix…I want his reaction to someone in the public knowing of the plums falling from the tree into every MLA lap.
I’ve had enough.
30 Robert // Mar 2, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Just listening to Simi Sara continue the attack on the teachers started this morning by Phillip Till on NW. These have been some of the most one sided abuse that they have ever leveled against one group since they attacked the paramedics for their town meetings, NW is really showing itself as the voice of the government. Ireally hoped better from Simi. Oh well just another right wing shill now.
31 DonGar // Mar 3, 2012 at 1:08 am
http://www.theprovince.com/business/Teacher+regrets+error+judgment+having+Grade+class+write+letters+Education/6242334/story.html
If the facts are true and the BCTF supports this teacher then IMHO they are no better than the Hitler propaganda machine that created the Hitler youth and turned children against their parents. There is no place for this BS in our schools.
Or maybe it’s just part of the co-parenting that the Ontario teachers are promoting to have parents arrested.
32 kevan // Mar 3, 2012 at 1:30 am
Has anyone having trouble accessing Alex Tsakumis web site. It appears it has been hacked after his posts about Clark’s denial of knowing Jaspal Atwal. Any information would be appreciated.
33 Alex // Mar 3, 2012 at 2:46 am
Harvey, what has happened to Alex Tsakumis’s blog today ??, he stated he was about to release information that would cause Christy Clark, and her government to fall , now his site is not accessible ????, very strange.
(Response: No idea. Maybe just a technical glitch? If it’s more, I’m sure Alex will find a way of letting us know. h.o)
34 Rick // Mar 3, 2012 at 3:36 am
Harv, remember the debate about the HST and the comments from kiss-ass talk radio hosts and Liberal message friendly guests? Their constant theme was that we must raise taxes to pay for services. They had it partly right, unfair tax cuts have made the mess we’re in and we need to raise taxes to fix the problem.
I say please raise my income taxes! Specifically on the top marginal tax rate. And, since I expect to make lots of money, also add a few more progressive tax brackets so that I pay a higher rate on my second million income than I do on my first million. Taxes should increase relative to the ability to pay.
35 Wilson // Mar 3, 2012 at 5:38 am
I’ll be dammed Oberfeld you never took me for a communist before. Were you a Unionized reporter? You must have been. You want to buck up for teacher’s be my quest. I say no. Greed is not good. Smarten up Harv. Real people don’t get anywhere near the crap these clowns are asking for and we are expected to pay and we don’t have kids. Take your taxpayer financed union blinders off !
(Response: I never said their demands should just be granted …but they SHOULD have the democratic right of negotiating a settlement. And if that fails, what’s wrong with compulsory binding aribtration? Let an independent expert decide on what’s right abd affordable. Surely that’s better than just legislating people’s rights away or forcing them to take cuts …because NO iuncrease IS a cut, with all the rising fees, tolls, taxes and other charges the government and their agencies keep throwing aT US non-stop. h.o.)
36 Vic // Mar 3, 2012 at 7:42 am
Instead of grumping and complaining about clark and the lieberals why don’t we get off our collective butts and turn our anger into constructive energy to get rid of this arrogant bunch.
Get out there and join the opposition party of your choice and get busy, donate time money energy phone skills whatever you have to help kick these people and the shadow government behind them out of power.
Don’t support the businesses associations or msm that back these lieberals, giving them the money and support they require to get them get back into power, do you want big business running the Province, offloading taxes onto us and our children for another five years?
I will not support any store that belongs to the C.F.I.B. or any Taxpayer Federation, not one penny. Do your homework on who is giving these people money, elections B.C. is a good place to start.
Your Province your call, I’ve decided to leave Canada because I don’t think the electorate will ever figure it out.
The Fundamentalist Christian running this Country is another topic but equally sickening and one more reason I am looking to live elsewhere.
37 Vic // Mar 3, 2012 at 7:53 am
The above url to the sun reporters story is interesting, funny how the teachers story was a couple paragraphs and a link but abbott got his entire spin presented???
Yeh, I will pass on the sun and most of their advertisers thanks, didn’t two of their editors come over from the fraser institute?
No bias there eh?
38 13 // Mar 4, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Harvey , as it seems that essential services have little hope of bargaining contracts the government should form a non partisan group to come up with recomendations to avoid future dissruptions.
For example fixed term contracts of 3 to 5 years. Wage increases tied to COLA and GDP. Bring all public sector contacts and pensions in line with the private sector.
When the new law is ready stick it on the next election ballet and allow the public (tax payers) to ratify the terms.
39 Richard // Mar 4, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Many thanks for another accurate assessment of just how out of touch this BC Liberal government is. The Paramedics have had the same collective agreement for almost 12 years. How many things have changed in 12 years? The BC Liberals are not and will never be interested in improving any social program or service. Their ideology prevents entertaining such lofty goals.
May 2013 cannot come soon enough in my opinion.
40 LC // Mar 5, 2012 at 7:25 am
I am a paramedic, thank you for your insight and support. I support our teachers.
I, like almost all public sector worker live in this province, we all pay taxes , shop ,vote, watch the Canucks, pay rent/mortgages, our children go to school, when we are sick we use BC hospitals, This is our home.
41 Henri // Mar 5, 2012 at 11:16 pm
Here is an interesting read on the Saskatchewan essential service act which has been stuck down by the court. Maybe this will cause the BC govt to sit up and take notice…
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2012/02/06/sk-labour-law-challenge-1202.html?cmp=rss
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