Province moves to declare final exams, report cards “essential service”

The provincial government has applied to the Labour Relations Board to declare Grade 10-12 final exams and report cards an “essential service.”

The move from the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association was announced Friday afternoon.

The essential services designation will kick in if the Labour Relations Board finds that the dispute poses a “threat to the welfare of British Columbians,” or to the “provision of education programs to students.”

The BCTF announced earlier this week rotating strikes will continue next week, and teachers will be taking a further strike vote on Monday and Tuesday.

If that vote passes, teachers could walkout — putting students’ final exams and report cards at risk.