[van-announce] TEACHERS DISPUTE UPDATE - October 12, 2005

[megan]

TB.C. LABOUR E-NEWS - TEACHERS DISPUTE UPDATE - October 12, 2005

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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

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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 >

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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 >

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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


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