From bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net Mon Oct 10 19:14:38 2005 From: bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net (bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net) Date: Mon, 10 Oct 2005 19:14:38 -0700 Subject: [BC_Labour_E-NEWS] Urgent Action Alert - Teacher Support Rallies Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC12063761CC809@bcfednt.bcfed.local> Here is the latest list of rallies scheduled for Tuesday (and Thursday in Gibsons) to support BC teachers in their struggle for a freely negotiated collective agreement. Campbell River - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 5:00 p.m. School Board Office, 415 Pinecrest, Campbell River Courtenay - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 5:00 p.m. Stan Hagen's office, 437 5th St., Courtenay Cranbrook - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 5:00 p.m. Bill Bennett's office, 100C Cranbrook Street North, Cranbrook Dawson Creek - Tuesday, October 11 @ 10:00 a.m. Blair Lekstrom's office, 101-10300 10th Street, Dawson Creek Duncan - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 5:30 p.m. Duncan City Hall Square Gibsons - Thursday, October 13, 2005 @ 3 p.m. Rockwood Pavillion, Gibsons Kamloops - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 5:00 p.m. Kevin Krueger's office, 9, 111 Oriole Road, Valleyview Kelowna - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 5:00 p.m. Sindi Hawkins' office, 102 1221 Ethel St., Kelowna Kitimat - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 4:30 p.m. Centennial Square Penticton - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 4:30 p.m. Gyro Park, Penticton Port Alberni - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 6:45 p.m. School Board Office, 4690 Roger Street, Port Alberni Prince George - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 4:00 p.m. Shirley Bond's office, 1350 5th Avenue, Prince George Quesnel - Wednesday, October 12 @ 5:00 p.m. Helen Dixon Centre, 241 Kinchant St., Quesnel Sooke - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 7:00 p.m. Sooke School Board Office, 3143 Jacklin Road, Victoria, BC Terrace - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 4:30 p.m. Government Access Centre, 101 - 3220 Eby Street, Terrace Vancouver/Lower Mainland - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 5:30 p.m. Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre (formerly Trade and Convention Centre) Victoria - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 5:00 p.m. School Board office (Tolmie building) 556 Boleskine Rd., Victoria Salmon Arm - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 @ 5:30 p.m. George Abbott's office, 202A-371 Alexander Street NE, Salmon Arm From bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net Tue Oct 11 10:24:45 2005 From: bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net (bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net) Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2005 10:24:45 -0700 Subject: [BC_Labour_E-NEWS] Teachers Rally - Vernon - Update Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC12063761CC870@bcfednt.bcfed.local> Last night's email advisory omitted the following scheduled rally in support of BC Teachers: Vernon - Tuesday, October 11, @ 5:00 Tom Christensen Constituency Office Sun Valley Building - 30th Street, Vernon From bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net Tue Oct 11 14:19:02 2005 From: bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net (bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net) Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2005 14:19:02 -0700 Subject: [BC_Labour_E-NEWS] TEACHERS' DISPUTE UPDATE - October 11, 2005 Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC12063761CC8AF@bcfednt.bcfed.local> B.C. LABOUR E-NEWS - TEACHERS DISPUTE UPDATE - October 11, 2005 To subscribe or unsubscribe, follow the instructions at the end of this message. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages to this mailbox are processed automatically, and are not read by a person. If you would like to contact us, send messages to: < mailto:bcfed at bcfed.com >. Help spread the word - forward this e-mail to your friends. CONTENTS -------- 1.> LABOUR BUILDS SOLIDARITY FOR TEACHERS 2.> FED POLL SHOWS PUBLIC BEHIND TEACHERS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.> LABOUR BUILDING SOLIDARITY FOR TEACHERS The B.C. Federation of Labour, along with local Labour Councils and unions around the province, have organized 19 rallies around the province and have asked union members and the public to come out to support BC Teachers in their fight to reach a negotiated agreement. "The government's move to force teachers back to work is a direct attack on the rights of every working person in this province," said B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair. "Teachers are serious about negotiating better learning conditions for our kids but the Gordon Campbell government prefers confrontation over negotiation." Sinclair added that while teachers have been walking the line to improve education for kids, Gordon Campbell is out of the province. "We're at a critical moment here in BC, but the government of the day thinks they can avoid the issue by writing a law and walking away," continued Sinclair. "Bullying doesn't work in the schoolyard and it shouldn't work in this province." Sinclair, along with several leaders from affiliated unions, this morning walked the picket line with protesting teachers at William MacDonald Elementary School in Vancouver. For rally details in your area, please visit the B.C. Federation of Labour calendar on our website: < http://www.bcfed.com/Coming+Events/index.htm > +++|+++ 2.> FED POLL SHOWS PUBLIC BEHIND TEACHERS The public, by a two-to-one margin oppose the actions of the government in ordering the teachers back-to-work according to a poll released by the Federation. The poll, conducted by Ideaworks/Stratcomm on October 6 and 7 and released October 10, showed that teachers enjoy the support of the public in their demands for improved learning conditions and a fair wage increase. In particular, 67 percent of British Columbians surveyed disagreed with the BC Liberals decision to impose a contract on teachers. Over half of those surveyed indicated teachers should be allowed to negotiate class size and special needs support at the bargaining table. Similarly over half indicated they supported public protests if the government ordered teachers back-to-work. ------------------------------------------------- For full poll results, please see the latest news release on our website: < http://www.bcfed.com > ------------------------------------------------ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ------------------------ < http://www.bcfed.com/BFNews/E-Newsletter/Subscribe+to+E-News.htm > +++|+++ TO UNSUBSCRIBE or suspend your subscription while on vacation or change your password: < http://bcfed.net/mailman/listinfo/bc_labour_enews > TO CONTACT THE FEDERATION, send an email to bcfed at bcfed.com ------- COPE 15 From bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net Wed Oct 12 17:00:42 2005 From: bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net (bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net) Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 17:00:42 -0700 Subject: [BC_Labour_E-NEWS] Teachers' Dispute Update - October 12, 2005 Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC12063761CC9A1@bcfednt.bcfed.local> B.C. LABOUR E-NEWS - TEACHERS DISPUTE UPDATE - October 12, 2005 To subscribe or unsubscribe, follow the instructions at the end of this message. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages to this mailbox are processed automatically, and are not read by a person. If you would like to contact us, send messages to . Help spread the word - forward this e-mail to your friends. CONTENTS 1.> FOUR WAYS TO SUPPORT THE TEACHERS RIGHT NOW 2.> PROVINCIAL RALLIES FOR TEACHERS DRAW THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS 3.> ONLINE POLLS - VOTE FOR TEACHERS 4.> SCHOOL BOARDS SUPPORT TEACHERS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.> FOUR WAYS TO SUPPORT THE TEACHERS RIGHT NOW No matter how long the teachers' dispute lasts, your support on the picket line, in the media and in your community will be critical. We also know that many people want to help, and have come to us asking what they can do. Here's how you can help today: 1. Phone your MLA this week while they are in the constituency. Tell him or her that you support the teachers' right to protest an unjust law. Tell him or her that if Gordon Campbell wants to get teachers back in the classroom he should come to the table and negotiate with them. You can look up the phone and fax number for your MLA at: < http://www.legis.gov.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm > 2. Send the same message directly to Gordon Campbell. You can call his constituency office at 604-660-3202 or send an email: < mailto:gordon.campbell.mla at leg.bc.ca > 3. While you are at it, phone Mike de Jong, the Minister of Labour, and tell him that you support the teachers. Call him at his constituency office: 604-870-5486 or send an email: < mailto:mike.dejong.mla at leg.bc.ca > 4. Don't stop there. Let Shirley Bond, the Minister of Education, know that you stand behind the teachers. Her number is 250-612-4181, or you can send her an email: < mailto:shirley.bond.mla at leg.bc.ca > --------------------------------------------------------------- 2.> PROVINCE-WIDE RALLIES FOR TEACHERS DRAW THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS Members of nearly all affiliated unions turned out by the thousands last night and today at rallies held around the province in support of teachers. Support also came from members of the community outside the labour movement, including seniors, students, parents and other community groups. "The BC Liberals are trying desperately to turn public support for the teachers ," said B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair. "They're already claiming that Solidarity is beginning to weaken -- Nothing could be further from the truth." The BC Teachers' Federation is planning a major Rally and March on Monday in Victoria between 11:00 AM and 2:45 PM. For more details and to download a poster: < http://www.bctf.ca/bargain/negotiations2004/TeachersTakeAStand/Ral lyFlyer.pdf > +++|+++ 3.> ONLINE POLLS - VOTE FOR TEACHERS Do you support extending the teachers' collective agreement? < http://www.royalcityrecord.com/ > Are you pleased the government legislated a contract on B.C. teachers? < http://www.richmond-news.com/ > Do you support B.C. teachers in their requests for smaller class sizes and a pay raise in their dispute with the provincial government? < http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/ > Do you support teachers in their fight for pay increases and smaller class sizes? < http://www.langleytimes.com/ > Do you approve of the provincial government's move to introduce legislation to extend the teachers' contract? < http://www.pgfreepress.com/ > Would you support the teachers' strike if it continues past two weeks? < http://www.surreyleader.com/ > 4.> SCHOOL BOARDS SUPPORT TEACHERS A number of School Boards have adopted positions of support for the teachers, including : Southeast Kootenay Revelstoke Arrow Lakes Nicola-Similkameen Vernon Surrey Vancouver New Westminster Coquitlam Boundary Sooke Saanich Cowichan Alberni Comox Mount Arrowsmith Campbell River Vancouver Island North ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subscription Information TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE B.C. FEDERATION OF LABOUR'S E-NEWS LIST: < http://www.bcfed.com/BFNews/E-Newsletter/Subscribe+to+E- News.htm > TO UNSUBSCRIBE or suspend your subscription while on vacation or change your password: < http://bcfed.net/mailman/listinfo/bc_labour_enews > TO CONTACT THE FEDERATION, send an email to bcfed at bcfed.com COPE 15 From bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net Thu Oct 13 17:23:51 2005 From: bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net (bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net) Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005 17:23:51 -0700 Subject: [BC_Labour_E-NEWS] Teachers' Dispute Update - October 13, 2005 Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC12063761CCA68@bcfednt.bcfed.local> B.C. LABOUR E-NEWS - TEACHERS' DISPUTE UPDATE - October 13, 2005 To subscribe or unsubscribe, follow the instructions at the end of this message. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages to this mailbox are processed automatically, and are not read by a person. If you would like to contact us, send messages to . Help spread the word - forward this e-mail to your friends. CONTENTS 1.> MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE TEACHERS RIGHT NOW 2.> SUPPORT FROM AROUND THE PROVINCE AND BEYOND 3.> HEALTH CARE WORKERS VS. SODEXHO - RALLY IN VANCOUVER 4.> VESTA PUB NIGHT +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ Correction - The link to the poster for the Monday Rally in Victoria was too long for most email programs. As a result, the link was split over two lines and did not work. Please copy and paste the following link into your web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape or other program) to download, view and/or print the poster: http://www.bctf.ca/bargain/negotiations2004/TeachersTakeAStand/RallyF lyer.pdf ------------------ 1.> MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE TEACHERS RIGHT NOW 1. Talk to your friends and family and encourage them to contact the government to protest their mishandling of the BCTF strike. 2. Pick up some of the "Parents Support Teachers" buttons from your local Labour Council and hand them out at grocery checkout lines or anywhere you meet people who are willing to show their support. Labour Council List: Campbell River, Courtenay & District Labour Council < mailto:mjudd at telus.net > (250) 923-5548 --- East Kootenay District Labour Council < mailto:ekdlc at telus.net > (250) 426-2670 --- Kamloops & District Labour Council < mailto:mcdiarmidr at agr.gc.ca > (250) 374-7310 --- Kitimat, Terrace & District Labour Council < mailto:rayraj at rayraj.com > (250) 635-5080 --- Mackenzie & District Committee Of Labour < mailto: lavalleeb at telus.net > Phone: (250) 997-3351 --- Mount Waddington, North Vancouver Island and District Labour Council < mailto:crash at island.net > Fax: (250) 284-3239 --- Nanaimo, Duncan & District Labour Council < mailto:nddlc at shaw.ca > Phone: (250) 753-0201 --- New Westminster & District Labour Council < mailto:nwdlc at telus.net > (604) 524-9311 --- North Okanagan Labour Council < mailto:nolc at telus.net > (250) 763-5050 --- Peace River District Labour Council < mailto:lloyd.glibbery at bcgeu.ca > (250)785-6185 --- Port Alberni & District Labour Council < mailto:jmcln at shaw.ca > (250) 724-7966 --- Powell River & District Labour Council < mailto:cl-jones at shaw.ca > (604) 483-9800 --- Prince George & District Labour Council < mailto:wmills at iuoe115.com > (250) 564-4224 --- Prince Rupert Labour Council < mailto:metis at citytel.net > (250) 627-8833 --- Quesnel & District Labour Council < mailto:qdlc at telus.net > (250) 992-6337 --- Shuswap Columbia Labour Council < mailto:giffle at jetstream.net > ( 250) 832-8509 --- South Cariboo Labour Council < mailto:nprevost at iwa425.bc.ca > (250) 398-8248 --- South Okanagan Boundary Labour Council < mailto:soblc-clc at telus.net > (250) 492-7252 --- Squamish & District Committee of Labour < mailto:sdlc2001 at hotmail.com > (604) 815-0811 --- Sunshine Coast & District Labour Council < mailto:louisehood at dccnet.com > (604) 886-2733 < http://www.sclc.ca > --- Vancouver & District Labour Council < mailto:vdlc at telus.net > < http://www.vdlc.ca > (604) 254-0703 --- Victoria Labour Council < mailto:vlc at telus.net > (250) 384-8331 --- West Kootenay Labour Council < mailto:wklc at telus.net > (250)352-9223 3. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and phone in to a radio talk show. --------------------------------------------------------------- 2.> SUPPORT FROM AROUND THE PROVINCE AND BEYOND Support for BC's teachers has been coming in from far and wide. Teachers' organizations, individuals and unions as far away as South Africa have written letters of support to the BC Teachers' Federation and many have also written letters to MLAs, the Minister of Education, the Premier and the Minister of Labour. To date, 26 BC School Boards have passed motions urging the BC Liberals to negotiate with teachers. Some have called for Bill 12 to be rescinded and others want a return to local bargaining. Support from individuals has been evident on the picket lines, by e- mail, and on the phone. In one case, a parent dropped off a cheque and a brief letter of support for Jinny Sims. In another, at the Penticton Rally, a child in grade 2 gathered 43 signatures from among her classmates in support of teachers. And at a picket line in Delta, a neighbour came by with a patio warmer. In Boundary, while teachers and CUPE members were on the picket line at Grand Forks Secondary School, a Selkirk College instructor asked for a sign to join them. While he was getting ready, a car pulled up and two vacationing teachers from Scotland stopped for a visit and offered some words of support. +++|+++ At less than $10.50 an hour, a Sodexho job is a passport to poverty - and if the Paris-based corporation has its way, that's how it will stay. 4.> HEALTH CARE WORKERS VS. SODEXHO - RALLY IN VANCOUVER What: Solidarity Rally When: 3:00 p.m. * Friday, October 14 Where: Sapperton Park (across from Royal Columbian Hospital) East Columbia Street at Sherbrook in New Westminster THE MAIN ISSUE IS WAGES Sodexho pays 90 per cent of its employees who clean operating rooms and special care nurseries, and prepare and serve meals that meet the specific dietary needs of patients and frail seniors in health facilities throughout the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities, less than $10.50 an hour. The low wages - for Sodexho cleaners, the lowest in the country - mean that staff turnover is as high as 50 per cent a year, creating crushing workloads and threatening the health and safety of patients and workers. Sodexho took in more than $17 billion in global revenues last year and paid its CEO $1.4 million. The company will pocket more than $400 million from BC taxpayers for service contracts signed with the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities. Sodexho can afford to pay its employees a family-supporting wage. On October 14, 350 more Sodexho employees will join the 1,150 workers already on strike against the corporation since September 15 for a fair, first collective agreement. Join them as they fight for decent wages and quality health support services. ++|+++ 5.> VESTA PUB NIGHT The Vancouver Elementary Teachers Association (VESTA) invites all union members and supporters to attend a special "Pub Night" in support of teachers. Friday, October 14 2:00 pm - ? West Point Grey Legion 3679 West Broadway All union members and supporters are invited to come out and socialize with the teachers. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subscription Information TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BC FEDERATION OF LABOUR'S E-NEWS LIST: < http://www.bcfed.com/BFNews/E-Newsletter/Subscribe+to+E-News.htm > TO UNSUBSCRIBE or suspend your subscription while on vacation or change your password: < http://bcfed.net/mailman/listinfo/bc_labour_enews > TO CONTACT THE FEDERATION, send an email to bcfed at bcfed.com cope 15 From bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net Fri Oct 14 17:09:08 2005 From: bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net (bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net) Date: Fri, 14 Oct 2005 17:09:08 -0700 Subject: [BC_Labour_E-NEWS] Teachers' Dispute Update - October 14, 2005 Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC12063761CCB05@bcfednt.bcfed.local> B.C. LABOUR E-NEWS TEACHERS' DISPUTE UPDATE October 14, 2005 To subscribe or unsubscribe, follow the instructions at the end of this message. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages to this mailbox are processed automatically, and are not read by a person. If you would like to contact us, send messages to . Help spread the word - forward this e-mail to your friends. CONTENTS 1.> FEDERATION ANNOUNCES COORDINATED JOB ACTION IN VICTORIA 2.> SOLIDARITY FROM SENIORS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FEDERATION ANNOUNCES COORDINATED JOB ACTION IN VICTORIA Officers of unions affiliated to the B.C. Federation of Labour today announced that workers will begin protesting Bill 12 on Monday in Greater Victoria if the government refuses to negotiate a settlement with the BC Teachers' Federation. "There's a window of opportunity today and over the weekend for the government to reach out and finally show the leadership that British Columbians expect," said Sinclair. "The government's move to legislate a contract and take away democratic rights is an attack on all working people and it's time for the government to do the right thing and come to the table." "We expect shutdowns throughout Greater Victoria as union members, supportive parents and community groups take part in the protest of Bill 12," explained Sinclair." Officers have unanimously agreed to leave all patient care services intact, so health care facilities will not be affected." "This is the first stage of action we are announcing in an effort to get a fair deal for teachers," warned Sinclair. "We hope the government reaches out to do the right thing so we don't have to make further announcements, but we have prepared a plan should the need arise and will update the public as necessary." "Our goal is very clear - we want a table to negotiate a settlement to this dispute that gives teachers the dignity that everyone knows they deserve," Sinclair said. "This government promised to end the confrontation they created over the past four years," Sinclair said. "It's unfortunate the government doesn't understand that taking away our rights and abusing legislative power will not solve this dispute. We're off to a very bad start." "The resolution to this dispute does not belong in the courts - it belongs at the negotiating table between the government and teachers," stated Sinclair. "Let's get our kids back to school." Rally details: Gather between 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 pm at Centennial Square in Victoria. March down Government Street to the Legislature. Rally from 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. Parents, Trustees, Union Sisters and Brothers and community groups are all invited to join in. Location : 11:00 AM -12:15 PM - Centennial Square 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM - Rally at the Legislature +++|+++ SOLIDARITY FROM SENIORS Fifty-eight delegates at the monthly meeting of the Council of Senior Citizen's Organizations of BC COSCO), representing 77 senior's organization with a membership of 80,000, voted unanimously to support the teachers in their fight for a satisfactory Collective Agreement. The delegates vigorously expressed their unqualified support of the actions of the BCTF leadership and condemn the action of the Provincial Government for trying to subvert the Collective Bargaining process by passing legislation. COSCO delegates made it clear that government is breaking International Conventions which guarantee free Collective Bargaining. One delegate, a decorated Veteran said "we went to War and made sacrifices to protect the rights of people, and we should tell Mr. Campbell, that we won't stay still while he is destroying teacher's rights." COSCO will support the teachers until the issues of classroom size and other matters are resolved. Delegates expressed their view that as grand parents we want to make sure that our grand children receive a quality education, which are undermined by present classroom conditions. COSCO will communicate their protest and displeasure with the government's position to the Premier. In addition, we will consult with the teachers and offer any help the teachers might require. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subscription Information TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BC FEDERATION OF LABOUR'S E-NEWS LIST: < http://www.bcfed.com/BFNews/E-Newsletter/Subscribe+to+E- News.htm > TO UNSUBSCRIBE or suspend your subscription while on vacation or change your password: < http://bcfed.net/mailman/listinfo/bc_labour_enews > TO CONTACT THE FEDERATION, send an email to bcfed at bcfed.com cope 15 From bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net Wed Oct 19 09:07:59 2005 From: bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net (bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net) Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2005 09:07:59 -0700 Subject: [BC_Labour_E-NEWS] Teachers' Dispute Update Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC12063761CCCC2@bcfednt.bcfed.local> B.C. LABOUR E-NEWS - TEACHERS' DISPUTE UPDATE - October 19, 2005 To subscribe or unsubscribe, follow the instructions at the end of this message. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages to this mailbox are processed automatically, and are not read by a person. If you would like to contact us, send messages to . Help spread the word - forward this e-mail to your friends. CONTENTS 1.> FEDERATION ANNOUNCES JOB ACTION IN EAST AND WEST KOOTENAYS 2.> RALLY IN VICTORIA DISRUPTS SERVICES, ATTRACTS 20,000 SUPPORTERS 3.> PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS HOLDING STRONG 4.> WHAT CAMPBELL'S GOVERNMENT DID TO STRIP THE TEACHERS' COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT - AN ANALYSIS FROM DAVID SCHRECK +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.> FEDERATION ANNOUNCES JOB ACTION IN EAST AND WEST KOOTENAYS Vancouver - B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair yesterday announced that workers will continue to protest Bill 12 on Wednesday in the East and West Kootenays as the next stage of the Federation's co-ordinated job action plan. "As we explained last week, we would escalate job action in other regions of the province if the government failed to settle this dispute with BC's teachers," said Sinclair. Sinclair says unions will continue to ensure that all patient care services remain intact, so health care facilities as well as services to people with disabilities will not be affected. Teck Cominco will also not be affected due to the current labour dispute. "It's unfortunate that the Campbell government hasn't taken any opportunity to resolve this situation and has prolonged this dispute even further." Union members walked off the job Monday in Victoria as the first stage in a co-ordinated job action plan announced by the Federation last Friday. Up to 20,000 protesters marched to the Legislature on Monday, and services were disrupted throughout Greater Victoria as private and public sector union members refused to cross picket lines. "We were hopeful that Premier Campbell got the message on Monday, but apparently, the government needs to hear the message from more British Columbians. That's what's going to happen today in the Kootenays," said Sinclair. "We repeat: a negotiated settlement is the only way to solve the crisis they have created." Rallies will be taking place today in the following communities: CRANBROOK Gather in front of Bill Bennett's office (near access centre) 11:00-11:45 am 100C Cranbrook Street North RALLY 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm NELSON The White Building 310 Ward Street Nelson, BC RALLY 4:00 pm TRAIL 12 Noon The Cenotaph Pine Street Trail, BC March to the Board office +++|+++ 2.> RALLY IN VICTORIA DISRUPTS SERVICES, ATTRACTS 20,000 SUPPORTERS Thousands of union members in Greater Victoria and all CUPE members on Vancouver Island were off the job on Monday in protest of Bill 12, the legislation imposed by the BC Liberals to force BC Teachers back to work. The protesters turned up early in Centennial Square prepared for poor weather and the mood was upbeat as they moved along Government Street for the rally at the Legislature. Speakers included B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair, BCTF President Jinny Sims, Canadian Teachers' Federation President Winston Carter, CUPE-BC President Barry O'Neill, BCGEU President George Heyman and CAW BC/Alberta Area Director Anne Davidson. Representatives from 13 teacher organizations across Canada were also there to bring greetings, as were many NDP MLAs. "The unity shown by the labour movement on Monday sent a very powerful message to BC Liberal MLAs," said B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair. "They have seriously underestimated the anger over Bill 12 and public support for the teachers." Sinclair says teachers have no reason to trust the government after the BC Liberals ripped up guarantees on class size and composition when they imposed a contract in 2002. "Clearly, it is up to the government to come down off their high horse and get kids back in school." +++|+++ 3.> PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS HOLDING STRONG A new BC Ipsos Reid poll taken last weekend shows that teachers and the BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF) are ahead in the battle for public support in their ongoing contract dispute with their employer and the provincial government. Nearly six-in-ten (57%) residents say they tend to side more with teachers and the BCTF in this dispute. About one-third (34%) of residents tend to side more with the public school boards and the provincial government. These results are virtually unchanged from an Ipsos Reid poll taken one week ago that found the public supporting teachers and the BCTF by a margin of 55% to 33% over the employer, the BC Public School Employers' Association. Majority (57%) Side With Teachers/BCTF Over School Boards And Provincial Government (34%) Public Split On Continued Strike Action - Half (47%) Support Teachers Staying Out, Other Half Disapprove Of Strike Action Altogether (37%) Or Just Think It's Time For Teachers To Get Back To Work (14%) +++|+++ 4.> WHAT CAMPBELL'S GOVERNMENT DID TO STRIP THE TEACHERS' COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT - AN ANALYSIS FROM DAVID SCHRECK A look at what Campbell's government did to strip the teachers' collective agreement shows why those words lack credibility and anger teachers. On January 26, 2002, during a special weekend sitting of the legislature, then Labour Minister Graham Bruce began second reading debate of Bill 28, the legislation that removed working and learning conditions from the teachers' collective agreement. Bill 12 (2005) extended the contract that was stripped and legislatively imposed in 2002. The first words uttered by the Minister in second reading debate of Bill 28 were: "Mr. Speaker, this bill helps government restore sound fiscal management by increasing operating flexibility in our K-to-12 - kindergarten-to- grade-12 - and college and institute systems." The government knew what it was doing. The school boards had no choice but to increase class sizes and allow unlimited numbers of special-needs students in any class in order to help pay for the Campbell government's reckless tax cuts. When BC's Supreme Court set aside an arbitrator's ruling on the application of Bill 28 to the School Act, the government intervened in 2004 with Bill 19 and overturned the court decision with legislation that said: "For certainty and despite any decision of a court to the contrary made before or after the coming into force of this subsection, nothing in this section is to be construed as authorizing a board or the Provincial union to enter into a collective agreement that includes a provision that is prohibited under section 27 (3) or void under section 27 (2), (5) or (6)." (emphasis added) It looks like the Campbell government picks and chooses which court decisions it will abide. The government was deceptive on the issue of class size. Bill 28 amended the School Act so as to implement maximum class sizes for grade 3 and below and maximum average class sizes within any school district for the higher grades. Adjustments to class size were no longer required as class composition changed. Setting limits higher than previously permitted under the collective agreement, and using district averages allowed school boards over the two years ending September 30, 2003, to reduce the number of full time equivalent educators (teachers and principals) by 7.19% (2,585) while the number of full time equivalent students decreased by only 1.97% (11,555). Visit David Schreck's website: < http://strategicthoughts.com > ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subscription Information TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BC FEDERATION OF LABOUR'S E-NEWS LIST: < http://www.bcfed.com/BFNews/E-Newsletter/Subscribe+to+E-News.htm > TO UNSUBSCRIBE or suspend your subscription while on vacation or change your password: < http://bcfed.net/mailman/listinfo/bc_labour_enews > TO CONTACT THE FEDERATION, send an email to bcfed at bcfed.com From bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net Thu Oct 20 15:04:45 2005 From: bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net (bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net) Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 15:04:45 -0700 Subject: [BC_Labour_E-NEWS] Teachers' Dispute Update Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC12063761CCDED@bcfednt.bcfed.local> B.C. LABOUR E-NEWS - TEACHERS' DISPUTE UPDATE - October 20, 2005 To subscribe or unsubscribe, follow the instructions at the end of this message. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. Messages to this mailbox are processed automatically, and are not read by a person. If you would like to contact us, send messages to . Help spread the word - forward this e-mail to your friends. CONTENTS 1.> NO JOB ACTION FRIDAY Affiliated union leaders of the B.C. Federation of Labour today announced that there will be no job action tomorrow, in light of the involvement of Veteran Mediator Vince Ready. "The actions by the Teachers, workers, the labour movement and broad support from the public, pressured the government to accept Vince Ready as a mediator," stated Sinclair. Ready today determined that the parties were too far apart to come to a deal together, so will be making recommendations later today. "This isn't an unusual step for a mediator to take - we've seen this many times in the labour movement," Sinclair said. "We hope the recommendations are acceptable to the teachers." Sinclair said that while the recommendations are being considered, the Federation would not be announcing job action. The Federation Officers met today, including the BCTF, to decide the next step and are monitoring the development of the dispute on an ongoing basis. -30- COPE 15 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subscription Information TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BC FEDERATION OF LABOUR'S E-NEWS LIST: < http://www.bcfed.com/BFNews/E-Newsletter/Subscribe+to+E-News.htm > TO UNSUBSCRIBE or suspend your subscription while on vacation or change your password: < http://bcfed.net/mailman/listinfo/bc_labour_enews > TO CONTACT THE FEDERATION, send an email to bcfed at bcfed.com