British Columbia Teachers’ Federation’ Strike Action – March 5, 6, and 7, 2012

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

Subject: British Columbia Teachers’ Federation’ Strike Action – March 5, 6, and 7, 2012

The British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) served notice this morning that teachers throughout the Province of BC will strike for three days beginning Monday, March 5th and continuing through Wednesday, March 7, 2012.

Student safety is our first priority and a shared responsibility. Parents and guardians are advised to keep their child at home and/or make alternate arrangements for their supervision during the time that teachers are on strike. Although schools will remain open during the strike action by the BCTF, no instruction will be provided to students.

The BC Labour Relations Board has ordered:
• BC teachers may strike for up to three consecutive days without seriously disrupting students’ education, as long as they provide at least two school days notice
• After that, they may legally withdraw their services for one day each week without violating the law that declares education an essential service
• The LRB ruling states that “during any job action, BCTF members will not picket, block access or egress or otherwise restrict or cause to be restricted in any way, the full and complete access to schools by members of all support unions or impede the operation of other employers who occupy the same premises as schools or school districts.”

Under the Labour Relations Board Order, community and private day-cares, preschools, before and after-school programs, lessees, renters, and contractors that are located at schools or School District facilities are not to be impacted by the BCTF strike.

Next week was scheduled as Education Week in the North Vancouver School District, a week-long celebration of students, teaching, and learning. Several extra-curricular events were planned. Unfortunately, we may be required to cancel or reschedule events. We will do our utmost to keep you informed of all changes.

The Government has introduced legislation to resolve the strike action. If Bill 22 is passed into law, it will impose a cooling off period until August 31, 2012. We will provide parents with updates at the earliest opportunity as more information becomes known. Information updates will be posted on our School District homepage at http://www.nvsd44.bc.ca. We encourage you to stay informed.

We hope that labour negotiations will be speedily concluded so that normal school operations will resume as quickly as possible.

Yours sincerely,

John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools