Andrew Weaver calls on government to agree to independent mediation in teacher labour dispute

Media Statement: June 19, 2014
Andrew Weaver calls on government to agree to independent mediation in teacher labour dispute
For Immediate Release

Victoria B.C. – Today’s call for independent mediation by the BCTF represents an important opportunity to depoliticize the current labour dispute.  Minister of Education Peter Fassbender has noted that he is open to the idea. Now it’s time for both sides to work hard to make it happen.

“It is hard to imagine how a settlement could be reached before the end of the month if this opportunity to introduce an independent meditator is not accepted” said Andrew Weaver. “I think British Columbians are tired of the negotiation-by-press conference that has been taking place, which does little but polarize discussions.”

While introducing a mediator is by no means a silver bullet for settling the labour dispute, it would represent a significant step in improving the dialogue between the two parties.

“While the negotiators battle out their entrenched, and what is perceived by many to be, at times, ideological positions, the ones who are paying the price are the children in the classroom, the teachers who teach them, and their parents at home” said Andrew Weaver. “The government set the stage for the crisis with their intransigent position regarding class size and composition negotiations in the face of two BC Supreme Court decisions. Now they have an opportunity to be a critical part in the solution.”

Media Contact – Andrew Weaver MLA
Mat Wright – Press Secretary
1 250 216 3382
mat.wright@leg.bc.ca