Dozens of teachers and their supporters lined the Lougheed Highway near the Cedar Valley Connector to bring attention to the province’s education system.
“I’m disheartened and frustrated by the lack of progress at the bargaining table,” said Mission teacher Scott Susin, who organized the Monday afternoon event.
“This isn’t a strike; it’s not a picket line,” Susin explained. “We’re keeping this in the public eye during the summer because a lot of times (teachers) are seen as being on vacation now. We’re still fighting for better public education.”
Teachers held up signs and waved to passing motorists. In return, they received honks of support.
Susin said the rallies are effective, but noted a new contract deal between the BC Teachers’ Federation and the employer, BC Public School Employers’ Association, will not be achieved overnight.
“I truly believe that keeping education at the forefront and keeping the message out there… is a good thing. People are starting to take notice and at least talk about education in its current state.”
Another rally is being planned for Monday, July 21 at 4 p.m. at the Cedar Valley Connector.
Earlier this month BC Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kelleher concluded the BCTF and the government were too far apart on wages and working conditions for mediation to be effective.
