[BC_Labour_E-NEWS] Teachers' Dispute Update - October 14, 2005

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B.C. LABOUR E-NEWS
TEACHERS' DISPUTE UPDATE
October 14, 2005 

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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.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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