Workers in BC schools hint at job action

BURNABY (NEWS1130) – There might be labour trouble in the public school system this fall.

A union that represents 27,000 workers says contract talks have broken off indefinitely, and it’s blaming the government for not being ready to bargain.

“I think it’s important to understand that we have proposed dates heading into early September, with the employer, saying look, we’re willing to bargain,” says Colin Pawson with CUPE.

But no new negotiations have been set.

“They’ve got to be willing to bargain themselves, and so far they still haven’t developed a mandate,” he adds.

If the two sides fail to make a date at the bargaining table that doesn’t mean there will be picket lines up at BC schools.  Pawson suggests “it could lead to a withdrawal of services by our members.”

He adds the union is not making “pie-in-the-sky” demands but its members want a settlement similar to one that’s been reached between government and several other groups of public sector workers, including Crown corporations.

That includes “a fully funded 2% wage increase in the next two years.”

“We want the same deal,” he says.

The union represents education assistants, clerical staff, trades, custodians, bus drivers and many other workers in the school system.

Pawson says while no decision has been made on when job action would begin, dates in September have been suggested.

The chief negotiator overseeing the talks, Peter Cameron, issued the following statement regarding the current status of contract negotiations between the government and the union:

“Last week, together with other government and trustee representatives, I held exploratory discussions with support workers’ unions. The parties made it clear that they are willing to work towards a provincial framework agreement. 
                                            
“I acknowledged that the bargaining committee would need to come to the table with identified savings so the parties can negotiate wage and benefits consistent with the Cooperative Gains Mandate.  I also asked the unions to consider cost savings similar to those accepted by unions in other sectors.
 
“I don’t intend to elaborate further on matters that are better discussed at the bargaining table.  I expect all the parties will work hard towards an agreement and I remain hopeful that we can avoid any significant job action.”