As you are probably aware, the BC Teachers’ Federation served 72-hour strike notice on Thursday, April 17, and will commence Stage 1 strike action in all BC public schools on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.
The main issues in this contract negotiation will be settled at the provincial level between the BCTF and the BC Public School Employers Association, which represents all public school districts at the bargaining table.
During Stage 1 strike action, teachers are not required to perform duties that have been declared “non-essential” by the Labour Relations Board (LRB). The list of non-essential duties includes the supervision of students before and after school, at lunch hour and during recess. Teachers will continue to take attendance, mark and assess student work, complete report cards, and communicate with parents. I encourage you to access the BCPSEA website (www.bcpsea.bc.ca), where you will find the LRB ruling as well as bargaining updates.
I want to reassure you that student safety will not be compromised. The Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows school district is committed to ensuring that our schools are safe and students are adequately supervised. To this end, administrative and management personnel will assume responsibility for recess supervision and after school bus pick up supervision, while noon hour supervisors and school administration will continue to provide lunchtime supervision in all our schools. To assist us during this time, we do ask that you drop off and pick-up your children as close to the beginning and end of the school day as possible.
We will keep you notified of any changes or developments in the job action status – particularly as those changes may relate to any direct impact on students – through school newsletters and school websites, as well as through the district website. Individual school principals will provide you with updates regarding school-specific events and activities.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period. The Board of Education and District Leadership Team of the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District all hope that a resolution can be achieved quickly.
Sincerely,
Laurie Meston
Acting Superintendent of Schools