The premier started an anti-bullying program in schools, yet it appears the Clark government is an aggressive bully to B.C. teachers and schools.
The teacher had an earned right to class makeup and size. This was taken away from them unilaterally. The teachers then asked the courts to rule and the court said teachers had that right. The government did not like that ruling so they are appealing. Now they are trying to pressure and bully teachers to settle before the appeal is ruled on. Could they be worried the government may not win?
The government states they must protect taxpayers, a refrain they use when it comes to B.C. employee unions. However, they do not use that refrain when it comes to pay increases of 18 per cent for their staff, giving away $10 million for an award show, or the hiring of patronage jobs. It is paramount that B.C. pay good wages to keep good teachers – as of now they are the second lowest paid in Canada. I hope the B.C. government comes to realize that education it too important and too fast-changing to use schools and teachers as whipping posts.
For the future of B.C. and our children, settle this dispute.
T. McCormick,
Hope, B.C.
