THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES (excerpts)

CLASS-SIZE AND COMPOSITION WIN

Arbitrator James Dorsey has ruled that teachers of classes included in the 2006-08 class-size composition grievances should be compensated through the provision of release time to 20 teachers whose classes were found to be in breach of the legislation governing class size and composition.

Violations of process, as well as limits, were identified in his ruling, and underfunding was dismissed as an excuse for not following process or meeting the limits.

The BCTF will now proceed with preparations for resolution of the remaining 2006-08 grievances and going forward with those for 2008-09 and 2009-10.

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THE FSA SEASON

An agreement has been reached between the BCTF and the employer (BCPSEA) on the distribution of FSA materials by teachers to parents. The agreement states that teachers and locals can send home three pamphlets informing parents of BCTF concerns and positions on the FSA and provincial testing.

To view the pamphlets, go to the BCTF home page and the first news item has the links: www.bctf.ca

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FEWER STUDENTS WRITE THE FSAS

Participation rates for the FSA dropped in 2008-09.

To view the latest FSA statistics, go to the ministry website at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/assessment/fsa/welcome.htm

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EMERGING DIFFICULTIES WITH THE COLLEGE

Recent meetings between the BCTF and the BC College of Teachers (BCCT) have highlighted some developing issues that are of increasing concern.

Topping the list is a move to change the college constitution, processes, and procedures, and pressure government to change the Teaching Profession Act in order to secure what it views as further independence by precluding the BCTF from endorsing candidates and restricting communication between college councillors and members on college issues.

Despite having a surplus of close to $2 million, the college is considering a proposal for a significant fee increase for additional staff and the purchase of a new building.

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YET ANOTHER DOWNLOAD

The provincial government has yet again thrown a wrench into school board budgets with another funding cut. This time it is to money used for covering the real cost of teacher salaries in a district. The "salary differential" as it is known, provides for the fact that districts have different teacher salary costs depending on how many younger (cheaper) and older (more expensive) teachers are employed. The impact of the salary differential is that a board can hire a teacher without basing their decision primarily on the cost of the teacher.

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A LIVING WAGE FOR FAMILIES

Closely related to the prevalence of poverty is the persistence of the provincial government in holding the minimum wage at $8 per hour. Although a relatively small group of employees are affected, a much larger group is earning less than $10 an hour. How can anyone be expected to support themselves, much less a family on such paltry earnings?

Access to a bare-bones existence has been calculated to require close to $17 an hour in metropolitan areas such as Victoria and Vancouver. There are only minor variations for other areas of the province.

The frustration of working harder only to fall further behind is one many Canadians can relate to. Recent research by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives shows that most families are taking home a smaller share of the economic pie despite working longer hours, getting more education, and contributing to what was, until recently, a growing economy.

http://livingwageforfamilies.ca