BCTF Reveals More Details About Tentative Deal

BCTF President Jim Iker speaking to the media on Tuesday (Photo Credit: Screen Grab)

BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) president Jim Iker addressed the media Tuesday afternoon about the tentative deal reached with the provincial government.

Iker began by thanking the teachers, parents and students who “worked hard and were courageous” during the labour dispute. He went on to confirm that teachers will vote on the tentative agreement on Thursday and they are encouraged to vote yes. Iker says the agreement means hundreds of new teaching positions will be created each year as a result of an annual education fund. He also confirmed that E80 has been removed and the agreement would include an agreed to process to address any future court decision.

When asked if the tentative agreement solved the “grievance issue” Iker said yes and the six year deal will protect any future court rulings. No details about wage increases for teachers were released by Iker although he did say the agreement “includes a significant grievance fund for one-time payment to members and for improvements in elementary prep time.”

Public schools are expected to open sometime next week but no firm date will be announced until the vote with teachers takes place. Teachers throughout the province will receive information about the tentative agreement before the vote takes place and when asked Iker said in the BCTF history a “no” vote has not taken place after the executive committee urged a "yes" vote.

An email is currently being put together to send to teachers with information about the deal and could be sent out as early as Tuesday evening. Details of the deal won’t be released to the public until after the vote to ratify it is completed.