Dear Editor,
Absolutely incredible! To think that our provincial leaders have spent more time dreaming up their “$40-a-day rebate†than getting the education dispute resolved is very disturbing.
As an older teacher, I am tired of the lack of commitment and the lack of leadership by various provincial governments to truly improve public education. Part of good leadership is setting a positive and constructive tone in the workplace. This is not happening in BC.
Time is running short. School systems do not magically get into full gear on a few days’ notice. High schools started their work in preparation for September last January. Education is a business that needs time to plan, to organize, to adapt to meet needs.
When will the shareholders (the voters) realize that the Clark government needs to be held accountable for this lack of leadership?
The mediator has announced dates when he could meet with both parties. As I write this, it is the government that is unwilling to meet with Mr. Kelleher. The BCTF leaders have repeated many times their desire for mediation.
Failure by either side to enter into this process with every desire to end the dispute should be long remembered by the voters and by union members.
Mark my words: if teachers are forced to accept an unpalatable contract (by legislation, by the inability to no longer provide for their families, etc.), they will find other ways to express their disgust, and those options will not sit well with many people, including students.
It will continue to foster a poor atmosphere in the education system workplace, promoted by the lack of leadership by Premier Clark and her government.
Paul Milette, via email