Teachers’ strike will not affect BC Summer Games

VANCOUVER – The ongoing job action between the B.C. government and the B.C. Teachers’ Federation will not affect competition at the BC Summer Games in Nanaimo later this month.

The local teachers’ association has agreed not to picket events, which will be held at more than a dozen regional schools.

There was concern the job action would affect the event, which begins on July 17.

In a statement on the Summer Games website, Mike Ball, the president of the Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association Member at Large, BC Teachers’ Federation, said in part:

“BC’s teachers have made very important contributions throughout the history of the BC Summer Games. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the BC Games, and it’s not surprising that teachers have traditionally offered their services. From the myriad of organizational and support roles teachers are naturally adept at, to their experience as coaches and officials, there is no doubt that the enthusiasm and expertise of many teachers plays a vital role in the ongoing success of the games.

The use of school sites has always been crucial to the functioning of the Games. Given the oft-changing realities of this past school year, it has been difficult for many BCTF members to plan for their summer, or to know how their worksites will be affected. Nanaimo’s teachers support the BC Summer Games, and a significant number will be volunteering or otherwise participating. It is important that all uncertainty about access to school district sites for teachers and other unionized workers be removed. This is most easily achieved by reaching a new collective agreement for teachers.”