The BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) is hoping to get a head start as the provincial government gets ready to renegotiate multiple public sector contracts. The union’s leadership wants to hear from its members before those government negotiations begin next year.
“Quebec and B.C. are at the bottom for starting wages, it’s pathetic,” said BCTF president Glenn Hansman.
He said teachers in Alberta make between $15,000 to $20,000 more than B.C. teachers. A starting teaching salary in B.C. is around $46,000, said Hansman.
“There are still students who have had a revolving door of people so far this school year, so we need more bodies,” he said.
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He’s hopeful that higher salaries will help them attract more teachers and address the current shortage.
Hansman is hopeful that by starting to discuss their needs ahead of time, the federation will be able to meet its needs.
“If we’re able to have mature conversations now, way in advance of bargaining, we’re hopeful we can make some good strides in some of the key issues.”
Nurses, doctors, and civil servants are also among those looking to also renegotiate.
But B.C. Premier John Horgan isn’t making any promises. He said that even though he understands the BCTF’s expectations, it’s not time to sit at the bargaining table just yet.
“I’m looking to come into a bargaining table, and struggling with a group of people who have been shut out and disrespected for a decade and a half,” said Horgan. “This is the job and function of government; to appropriate resources and distribute them in a way that makes lives better for people.”
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