BC Teachers’ Federation Support (BCFED)

To demonstrate support for the BC Teachers’ Federation over the next few weeks, we have launched a series of efforts to raise awareness of the dispute, the issues are at the heart of negotiations, and provide venues for people to show their support.

Radio Ad:

The BCFED, with the help of affiliates, have produced a radio ad in support of teachers. The ad will run from August 27 to September 2 in key media markets around the province: Lower Mainland, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George and Nelson. The MP3 of the ad is included. Please feel free to share this ad with your member and through social media.

Poll:

The BCFED commissioned polling firm Insights West to conduct a poll to gage public support for teachers. The timing of the poll was critical, catching parents and the public is the lead up to the start of the school year and at a time when the dispute was once again in the news daily.

The poll results – attached to this email – are very encouraging. Support for teachers is strong, especially among parents who support teachers 2-to-1 over the government. Again, please feel free to share this poll with your members and via social media.

Poll highlights include:

The majority of residents support the teachers in this dispute (52%) including most women (58%) and people aged 18-to-34 (57%). Among parents that number jumps 2-to-1 (60%) in support of teachers.

84% of British Columbians agree that the BC Government should increase per-student funding to be at the national average, among people aged 18-34 that support jumps to 93%.

86% of British Columbians agree that if a deal cannot be reached by September 2, the outstanding issues should be sent to a mediator to settle the dispute.

79% of British Columbians agree that the BC Government should reduce class size and increase support for kids with special needs.

Rallies:

The BCFED, with the BCTF, is organizing a series of solidarity rallies around the province over the first week of September. These rallies will give teachers, parents and supporters a chance to demonstrate their support for teachers and send a message to government to negotiate a fair deal for teachers and better supports for kids. They will be supported by the local teachers’ associations and the local labour council.

Tuesday, September 2 – Surrey

Rally outside Minister Fassbender’s office

Venture Way at Fraser Hwy, Surrey

5:00pm

Please bring signs as we will do a Burma shave along Fraser Hwy. before the speakers start at 5:30 pm.

Wednesday, September 3 – Kelowna

Rally outside Christy Clark’s office

#3 – 2429 Dobbin Road

West Kelowna, BC

4:00pm

Thursday, September 4 – Prince George

Rally outside Minister Bond’s office

5:00pm

Friday, September 5 – Vancouver

This is a major focus for the week – rally outside Cabinet Offices at Canada Place

5:00pm

Posters for these events are in the works and will be distributed as soon as ready. Please share rally information with your members and encourage them to take part. It is important that we have a good show of support at each event.

Myself or Irene will be in attendance for each event, as will a representative from the BCTF.

In solidarity,

JIM SINCLAIR

President