Above: On the Noon News, Keith Baldrey tells Steve Darling that the BCTF and provincial government are still far apart in negotiations
A month after B.C. teachers voted in favour of a strike, the provincial government and BCTF are still far apart in reaching a deal.
Peter Cameron, chief negotiator for the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association, gave an update to reporters where outlining the gap between the two groups’ proposals.
The BCTF is asking for a three-year deal, at three per cent yearly increases, along with an annual cost of living increase. Combined, it works out to approximately 13.5 per cent over three years.
Meanwhile, provincial government has countered with the 10-year offer they have been advocating for the last year. It contains a total wage increase of seven per cent over six years – at which point the two sides would renegotiate over the final four years. If they couldn’t come to an agreement, binding arbitration would take place.
There are also disagreements on class composition and sizes.
The BCTF confirmed Cameron’s numbers were accurate, saying the two offers have remained the same since teachers voted in favour of job action last month.
MORE: B.C. teachers vote in favour of strike action, bring offer to negotiation table
“We’re still at an impasse,” says Global Legislative Chief Keith Baldrey. “The chances of a 10-year deal still sound remote.”
However, Baldrey says there is still a good chance of no job action before the school year ends.
“Doesn’t look like a full-scale job action is anywhere close to imminent.”
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