Labour Relations Board Orders Teachers to Complete Final Exams

As the ongoing labour dispute rages on between B.C. teachers and the provincial government the Labour Relations Board (LRB) has made a decision on ‘essential services.’

The Board has ruled that the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) must complete final exams for students no later than June 20^th. Thursday morning the BCTF issued strike notice with a one day rotating strike to take place at all school districts Monday and a full strike beginning Tuesday June 17^th.

Teachers on the picket line in Kelowna (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

The LRB has deemed the following essential and order the BCTF members to ensure students complete their school year in full:

1. Invigilation of Grade 10-12 Provincial Examinations;

2. Compilation and submission of final grades for grade 12 students in a form ready for entry into BCESIS no later than June 20, 2014;

3. All psychometric or other testing scheduled as of the date of the Order conducted for the purpose of determining whether a student should receive a special needs designation; and

4. Providing all information necessary to confirm or discontinue the designation for students in Ministry category H (Intensive Behaviour/Serious Mental Illness) for the 2014/2015 school year.

The LRB has also ordered school districts to consult with local union leaders regarding the number of teachers who will be required to ensure Grade 10-12 Provincial Exams are completed.

BCTF response to the ongoing negotiations as posted on social media Thursday (Photo Credit: BCTF)

Education Minister Peter Fassbender has issued his statement on the BCTF issuing full strike notice and the LRB ruling:

"While this is disappointing news for students and parents, the strike notice was not unexpected.

"That's why the British Columbia Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) applied last week to designate provincial exams and report cards for senior grads as an essential service. We're pleased to learn that last night the Labour Relations Board agreed that provincial exams are an essential service.

"That means students in Grades 10 to 12 will be able to write their exams as scheduled and Grade 12 students will receive their final marks in a timely manner.

"Our main focus though, is to get to an agreement by June 30, 2014, and put this disruption behind us. The BCTF has said they want to avoid the strike and they are ready to bargain through the weekend. BCPSEA will be there.

"I know everyone involved wants to head into the summer with the assurance that our education system is on a path to long-term stability and focussed on student outcomes."

The BCTF have yet to respond to the ruling but insist it is still possible for the two sides to come to an agreement over the weekend.