[LabComm] Time for reason to prevail in government dispute with teachers

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

Time for reason to prevail in government dispute with teachers



VICTORIA - NDP Education critic John Horgan today condemned Mike de Jong's lack of action on the teacher's dispute, saying that it was in the best interest of parents and children that discussions between government and teachers take place over the weekend.

"With 600,000 students out of school and parents struggling to make arrangements, the Campbell government has a duty to sit down with teachers over the weekend to find a solution to the crisis that this government created," said Horgan. 

Horgan said that despite de Jong's insistence that he won't talk until teachers end their protest, there is nothing preventing serious negotiations over the weekend.  He pointed out that the Campbell government negotiated with the HEU in 2004 despite a court ruling that said that job action was also illegal.

"The Premier and his Ministers have made this decision based on their political interest only," said Horgan.  "In the interests of students, he needs to put aside the government's confrontational approach and work towards solutions, not aggravate an already tense situation."

Horgan said that 26 school boards are also calling on the government to negotiate directly with teachers. 

"All parties involved in this dispute understand what the government must do - sit down with teachers and enter into real discussions about the issues at hand, class size and composition," said Horgan. "Teachers have already said that they are willing to meet any time any place. It is now up to the Premier and the Minister of Labour to take up that offer and get to work."

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