Your Childrens Education

[slammedbus]

Ok. First things first. I am not ......I repeat ......not a union man. I am the first to say that for the most part I feel like I am in the middle of two people trying to prove who can be the bigger bully. However, on this stand (unlike the others) I am putting on my sign \"taking a stand for public education\". During this battle I am finding that our union is doing a terrible job of educating the public on what the deal really is.

In 2002, after the teachers being mandated back to work, my class sizes went from 18 to 26. For those of you that have seen my shop, that is almost an undeliverable task. I had two students head to hospital for stitches last year due to injuries caused by cramped working conditions. I polled my students this semester and over 75% of the kids are dealing with classrooms over 30 students large. Since my students tend to be more technically oriented, classrooms tend to be more than just a challenge for them to sit through. MY STUDENTS made comments like \"USED to have a learning resource block, NO time to answer all my questions, and other valid points that come from overcrowded classrooms.

Think of it this way....in a 60 minute class. Assuming that you have NO teaching to do that day. You have a 30 student class. You have a maximum of 2 minutes per student of one on one instruction. Assuming that you don't have to take attendance, or take care of any discipline problems. STudent education assistants have been cut in half in our district and there is no maximum of special needs students within a classroom setting. Basically that 2 minutes of instruction NEVER happens anymore. This means our only choice is to teach to the masses and those that fall through the cracks, fall through the cracks. I can't imagine an English or Socials teacher that has to get that class together for a provincial exam at the end of the year. BAsically a pencil pusher in Victoria, who has probably never seen the inside of a classroom, gets to make these desicions. WRONG!

Teachers took a 0% raise in our contract prior to 2002 to save class size limits. It was a trade off. Now what we sacrificed for has been taken away as well. We have no voice in the matter. Those of you that belong to a union know that the reason for the union is to have a voice in such matters as work place environment and wages. We are arguing with people that make laws. So what are they going to do??.....pass a bill to shut us up and make us go back to work. In my opinion.....F#$%in wrong!!!   Now it goes to court with a judge presiding over the trial.......wonder who they work for??? Wonder how that is going to turn out???

Now for my union bash. As I said our union can be just as stupid. As with ANY union, you always have your hard and blues. They go out of their way to make a mockery out of authority and will pick a fight with the boss any chance they get. UNFORTUNETLY they are the only voice you hear.  THEY ARE NOT THE MASSES!!!! Take it from a guy that comes from the trenches. Us quieter protesters (the actual masses) want a change to our classroom environments. We do care about what we do and take GREAT pride in helping children learn. The raise is not our issue!!! The media makes it look like it is.

Media. Get a grip. We are not a DAYCARE we are an EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION!!! We are sorry for the inconvenience, but who will you blame if after high school you see that the education your child got was substandard?? YOU GOT IT! ME!

Also the \" what an example teachers are setting breaking the law blah blah blah.\" Who is using the kids as pawns now?? I think we are doing a fine job of educating our students on sticking up for yourself in a peaceful manner against a school yard bully.

Ask yourself this. WE ALL PAY TAXES. BC gov't declared big surplus last year. Even published big fancy signs and ads to help Mr. Campbell boost his feeling of self worth. Taxes are meant for things like roads, medical care, and yes education. Where has your tax money gone??? Has Mr. Campbell called you to declare a tax break? NO! Put our money where it should be!!!!! I do not want to pay for another Hawaiian drinking binge for him.


The Vancouver Province newspaper showed wages for teachers that are also wrong. You start at $35000 a year (got the pay stubs to prove it) and after 11 years you progress up to 60,000. Not a bad wage, but not gonna get rich off of it either. Basically a comfortable living.

As I said, there are all kinds of people including teachers. I know many of you have stories of weak instructors but there are just as many good ones. Please honk, wave (all fingers please :ph34r: ), and if you can.....write a letter to the Ministry of Education.

[Chris]

A common fault in all unions is the lack of education, but on both parts, educating the public and educating the members. The only way to correct this and to make it better is to get involved, I can guarantee that this works, I have been there, I have gotten involved and it helped.

You have obvious concerns about your ability to provide the best for your students, but the government, as strange as it seems, forced you into a province wide union, now its time to use the union's stength to stand your ground, take your concerns to your union reps, if your local rep does nothing, go higher, speak with business agents or members of the executive.

You seem to be speaking in a way that takes you away from the masses, but my understanding is that the primary concern is teaching conditions not wages. It takes a lot to be a teacher, it takes even more to be a great teacher, no one doubts that, there really is no free ride when it comes to teaching.

Essentially you are breaking the law, yes a law pushed in by the government, unfortunately we as voters are responsible for that, maybe we can sort it out next election, but you and your co-workers and fellow teachers need to make it clear that you are acting in civil disobedience as a protest against an unjust law, then your taking part in a lawful demonstration.

Like myself working for Telus is not such a bad deal, good wages, good benefits, but the company wants to strip out the security of the job, yet a large portion of the public say there is no job security, anymore, but the public doesnt work for Telus, the public will never know the real deal, if the public is lucky they will never experience what I experienced for the last 2 years and many of my co-workers did for the last 5 years.

Now why dont you take this opportunity to write the newspaper, and challenge what they have written, choose your words wisely as they will edit what you write, and help educate the public and your fellow teachers on your points of view! Im behind you as a teacher seeking a better teaching environment and the right to bargain, and to challenge an invoked contract, the government is challenging your rights as a Canadian by invoking a contract. Do something about it. I think I made sense.

[Shane]

Ok,
I saw alot of words and thought\" Oh no here we go again!\" But I actually took th etime to read it and Agree with you both. I personally think unions are a way of the past with the Mobs etc.
Jason I know alot of teachers being in the non union job I am in.. I agree  your class sizes are way too big.. Your wages are low.

I also think the people who complain that they now have no daycare can kiss your ass...
You guys obviously are there for the love of teaching and no more..
Hope it all works out....


Telus on the other hand is a bunch of greedy bastards :lol:  

[GRK]

Ya gotta give Gordies head a shake . Say's teachers can't pick and choose what laws they like or follow and yet he made the law to suit he's needs and now essiential service here you go ! Don't pass go don't collect $200.00  go straight to jail! 35 bargaining meetings later no arbortrator just make a law prob solved.

I hear you on the class size in shop how about having  woodshop classes with 26-28 students . Anybody say finger food.

The Daycare comments how true! Thats what alot of people expect. Who cares about education just look after our kid is the mentality of some.

[moni]

i'm not going to wade into the for/against teacher debate. but i would like to mention something about this, given i'm part of the evil media empire...

Now why dont you take this opportunity to write the newspaper, and challenge what they have written

i wholeheartedly agree with chris' statement. i've heard many, MANY people complain about the bias of the media, and yet few do little to voice their concerns in the way of calling, writing or dropping by. while i'm not about to defend all material printed/aired regarding this dispute, i will say it is rather difficult to present all sides to a story when people shy away from reporters and the only thing a journalist can get is rhetoric from officials

[Chris]

this statement is true and false. true in that newspapers edit letters to the editors for spelling, punctuation and grammar, in addition to legality and space purposes. however, opinion pages are meant to be just that

[CHEECH]

I wasn`t going to post until the Daycare issue came up. My daycare cost was increased $100 per month since the strike started ]  My other option is to take time off work and still my 6 year old isn`t getting the education she deserves, no matter how large the class and it is leaving me with even less in my pocket to spend at Airspeed. What I`m trying to say is that the teachers should should build my buggy  

[hi-top]

I'm an independent business person in Victoria. I lost a small contract yesterday and other contracts are at risk because I have no care for my 2 young kids (kin. & grade 2). This strike will be a real strain on my life if it continues beyond Friday. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Teachers are THE MOST IMPORTANT resource for my kids future.
This is what my children say there teacher means to them:
 Helps me learn to read, is my friend, makes me laugh, shows me about the world, teaches math and numbers... When I asked them, they whent on for about 20 minutes.
What is happening to the teachers of our province is sad and mean spirited. I support the teachers by honking when I pass pickets, dealing with my own personal situation like an adult & not expecting our education providers to be viewed as baby sitters but most importantly, I talk daily with my kids about what is going on and why this is happening and they understand because our teachers have helped in teaching them fairness, something the government of British Columbia knows nothing about.

[Chris]

I'm an independent business person in Victoria. I lost a small contract yesterday and other contracts are at risk because I have no care for my 2 young kids (kin. & grade 2). This strike will be a real strain on my life if it continues beyond Friday. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Teachers are THE MOST IMPORTANT resource for my kids future.
This is what my children say there teacher means to them:
 Helps me learn to read, is my friend, makes me laugh, shows me about the world, teaches math and numbers... When I asked them, they whent on for about 20 minutes.
What is happening to the teachers of our province is sad and mean spirited. I support the teachers by honking when I pass pickets, dealing with my own personal situation like an adult & not expecting our education providers to be viewed as baby sitters but most importantly, I talk daily with my kids about what is going on and why this is happening and they understand because our teachers have helped in teaching them fairness, something the government of British Columbia knows nothing about.

excellent post, and I hope all goes well with your business.

[slammedbus]

Bugsmell: Send a letter to your Ministry of Education and send up the parts and I will get my kids to build it for you.

You supply the odd coffee and donuts

[egspot]

WOW! This is deep.

I gathered that this site is not just about the smell of gas fumes, engine oil, blocks, heads, carburetors and the works. I am very impressed to see real thoughts from real people aside from the so called leadership of politicians and union brass.

Most people do not understand all the issues and yet they all have opinions regardless of their lack of knowledge. I am sure that there is some good and bad in all organizations. The teaching profession has the call to be able to influence young minds to go beyond the individual expectations. While some people can just read the literature or listen to a lecture and deal with the matter at hand, some others relay on the coaching and mentorship of a teacher.

I do not have all the answers, but it really bothers me when people in power start to impose a contract extension as opposed to letting the parties negotiate in what they call good faith. Yea right.

My biggest fear would the setting of a precedence that will follow further negotiations across the land for years to come. That would mean the tip of an iceberg, as labor laws are based on laws passed and precedence of prior settlements.

If you gave away increments in $$$ for benefits or working conditions over a few years span and they can be take away a later day without regard for the spirit of the bargaining process, what good was that contract? And what use is any given contract where one party has the power impose their will? Where else would we tolerate such actions?

Just my two bits
 

[CHEECH]

   I do suppot the teachers as well. Their best interest is the kids after all. Good luck and I will be sure to honk in support and not cause I like to drive on the sidewalk  

[Chris]

this is why kids need an education....

Click![/size]

[Bubba]

Well, I am a union member...for over 25 years now.   I am in the private sector, so if we go on strike, the only thing we shut down is a few jobsites, maybe some industrial facilities, etc.

We have had several years where our wage increases have been below the COLA, because that is simply what the employer was willing to negotiate.

My pension, and benefits, while amongst the best in the industry, cannot hold a candle to the public sector benefits package.

If I and my colleagues took on a public campaign to discredit or otherwise defame our employer, we would be canned.  My union rep would probably tell me to give my head a shake and not crap in my own bed.

So let me then get this straight...

Public sector unions have been setting up war chests and pushing huge campaigns to go against the government (one which I did not vote for) of which the teachers have been part of and have been very outspoken in the media.  A government,  that was given a mandate by the people to govern by the people of British Columbia.

The BCTF has NEVER been able to negotiate a collective agreement in the history of its existence.  They have been legislated back to work by both business and labour governments...

The BCFED  backs the teachers by pushing them out there as the guinea pig...whispering general strike to a few media, even though the BCGEU, HEU et al have no increases in thier collective agreements.  I can guarantee you that if there is a general strike, you will probably see every public sector worker out there.  But very few private sector union members.

The teachers are adamant that this is for the kids...yet are now on strike, risking the education of the very kids that they claim they are advocating for.  That is a huge gamble.

I now have to explain to my kids that their role models in  schools are justified in breaking the law, because they feel the law is not right.

Right or wrong, the government has imposed a contract on the teachers.   Why do you think they are now walking out instead of the last time?   Simple.  They think they can win this one because the court of public opinion during the previous contract imposition just finished throwing the socialists out on thier ear...along with their ideals.  

If you think this is not a political play, guess again
 
I have 3 kids out of school.  I have sent e-mails to my school board, my MLA (who is NDP), the BCTF, and to the education ministry that I expect to have the instructional hours made up for the times that the teachers have been off the job.

If the teachers are really sincere about doing it for the kids, they should have no problens with converting some pro-d days into instructional days.

I have no beefs with what they are asking for.  I wish the government did not do what they did.  The point is though, the government has the power.  And when the public sector unions try to weild thier power against the government, they do it at great risk.  I believe that the BCTF has made some bad choices and dragged thier very honourable members into a bad situation.

Live by the sword, die by the sword

[slammedbus]

We have had several years where our wage increases have been below the COLA, because that is simply what the employer was willing to negotiate.

My pension, and benefits, while amongst the best in the industry, cannot hold a candle to the public sector benefits package.

If I and my colleagues took on a public campaign to discredit or otherwise defame our employer, we would be canned.  My union rep would probably tell me to give my head a shake and not crap in my own bed.

So let me then get this straight...



The BCTF has NEVER been able to negotiate a collective agreement in the history of its existence.  They have been legislated back to work by both business and labour governments...



The teachers are adamant that this is for the kids...yet are now on strike, risking the education of the very kids that they claim they are advocating for.  That is a huge gamble.

I now have to explain to my kids that their role models in  schools are justified in breaking the law, because they feel the law is not right.



If you think this is not a political play, guess again
 
I have 3 kids out of school.  I have sent e-mails to my school board, my MLA (who is NDP), the BCTF, and to the education ministry that I expect to have the instructional hours made up for the times that the teachers have been off the job.

If the teachers are really sincere about doing it for the kids, they should have no problens with converting some pro-d days into instructional days.

I have no beefs with what they are asking for.  I wish the government did not do what they did.  The point is though, the government has the power.  And when the public sector unions try to weild thier power against the government, they do it at great risk.  I believe that the BCTF has made some bad choices and dragged thier very honourable members into a bad situation.

Live by the sword, die by the sword

Although I agree with much that you have said, I do have differing opinion in a few matters.

You talk of wage increases. As I stated before, in 99 teachers negotiated a zero percent raise in exchange for protection to our class sizes. When was the last time your union negotiated anything on your behalf and three years later had it stripped away?? I would imagine your collegues and yourself would feel differently if that happened and how you would deal with it as a union

Pension and benefits are great. I am not arguing that and neither side is bickering over it.


As for the BCTF. As I said. There are times where I feel like telling them to go to the same place I tell Mr. Campbell to go to. I do not believe that they are arguing the correct points. I do not think that the public is educated on what has happened in the past. They mention contract stripping but no details.....when I hear it I want to yell \"get back to work\"

Illegal strike or political protest?? Both are labels that both sides use to gain the support that they want. Pick the one you like and go for it. One is illegal one is your constitutional right. Ask yourself this though. If your children do not recieve the education that you expect from this system.......who are you going to blame??

As for made up time? I would be more than willing. As would ANY teacher that needs to cover the curriculum for a provincially examinable course. As for pro-d days. Try one. Long, painful, meetings that usually involve structure, curriculum development, teaching strategies, etc, etc. It a'int a free day dood.

[S Wyer]

I hear you!  I would totally give up a pro d day to teach kids except that that is a day  - boring as they often are - where we actually get better and learn new things about doing our jobs and teaching your kids.

An interesting consideration about \"breaking the law\".  I was speaking with the aboriginal educator at my school site who said that were it not for taking a political stand against bad laws many of their cultural rights in Canada would be lost.  Our INdian Act banished all aspects of their culture and sent their kids to residential schools.  Many canadians refused to abide by those laws.

Now we have teachers' rights being attacked - in a sense the culture of doing the job well - and we are faced with the question of \"what is to be done?\"

It is not about money.  no one goes into teaching to get rich.  We would all have a couple of each type of air cooled if it were true!  It is about what has been disrespected in due process and in good faith.  

the above member who said that we have yet to settle a contract with BCPSEA is correct.  On the one hand because of our union leadership, but on the other because of the government's inability to recognize the need to allow a mandate to settle these disputes.

But consider this - take away our current leadership.  Do you think this is an issue that would have never come up given the current governement's treatment of workers and the way the show value to them.  I think it was a matter of time and not politics or personalities.

One thing that I teach all of my students is that when people feel valued, they value others. How do public sector employees feel about the jobs they are doing?  

I suspect that parents and the public feel that teachers are doing a better job than teachers feel they are doing because of the message teachers get from government.

[Billyisgr8]

I support the teachers striking because of class size,

 I do not support them for striking in regards to a pay increase.

 Teachers are paid enough.  Like any job once you are there for awhile you get a raise.  You start at 34,000 - 49,000 depending on your schooling and job position , and earn increases after time.  

Put in time and get rewarded just like the system is laid out.  

Here's a good read  for everyone to update you on wages.   My brother in-law who is a teacher  is complaining about only get paid for 10 months, many people would give anything for being paid this kind of money for 10 months work.

http://www.bctf.ca/ResearchReports/2003ts01/report.html
http://www.bctf.ca/ResearchReports/2003ts0...s01/report.html


Here's my take and some will balk at it, but it will not change the situation right now, for what I'm saying would take years to come around.

We live in a consumer driven market, we want everything NOW.  We don't relize it took our parents many years to accumilate everything, What did our parents do without a visa card???  They didn't buy until they had the money.  This is something most of us  have a problem with... I can't live without a visa card.  Something is wrong and we are all apart of it.  More money  for the teachers is needed to buy what? more things?  How many of us grew up with 3 pairs of pants and 3 shirts?  Now there is a walk in closet with $3,000+ worth of clothes hangin there.   I know many are living to look good to others which is a very hard life to live, since we moved up here we only shop at the thrift stores, (wow it seems like every one is shopping at the thrift store, what was my problem in Langley).  We spent money too living in Langley, the car, clothes, where to eat, cell phones for each, kids clothes from Gap, the new Van X 2  .  

Go through what you spend and you will see you can probably make up some extra money by not living to keep up an image.  How did our parents do it?  More people then were not living to set an image, if you didn't have the money you didn't buy it.

Moving up here to the Shuswap was the best thing for us.  You have no idea how many rusty  cars are up here.  People don't care as much what others think, which is the way it should be.  I can go down town in my grubby work clothes to the grocery store, and everyone else is also in there grubby clothes, and they say hi even though I'm all grubby looking.  Hmmm I wouldn't dare do that in Langley.

The flip side to everything I just said is that housing prices are so ridiculous it's a joke,  Our house was just re-appraised at $75,000 more than when we bought 17 months ago.  How can any younger person or couple afford such an increase,... they can't, Jeez and this is not even in the lower mainland where it is even worse.  If you havn't been in the housing market for 12+ years you have no chance then, even if you have, it is still hard for some. I'm all for getting more money just so you can live in a place.  This is why everyone should move to the shuswap, it's affordable for 1 more year max for young people.

So maybe I'm giving a mixed message,   here's the shortened version.  No money to teachers for wants and conveniences , yes money to teachers if it goes for housing only.

Just be nice on the slams ok

Kevin

[S Wyer]

I also think teachers are earnign fair wages.  remember we are not in it for money or material possesions.

However, if like Gordon Campbell has promised - the most literate well educated province - then we need to start by raising the teachers wages to match those across the country.  how would you feel if your colleague in edmonton earned ten thousand a year more than you?

In Toronto not only do teachers earn on average  six thousand more than BC, but they also get leafs seasons tickets in their contract!

Teachers are beginning to leave for greener pastures intercontinentally and within the country, just like the nurses did.  What we are left with is poor qulity teaching and education in the province of BC.

[blueberry]

I've been teaching for years and:
        we negotiated many contracts before provincial bargaining was legistated for us.
         as recently as 4 years ago the rules we were working under would have had me working                   80% in just two of the present classrooms I support (I'm in Special Education). Thats four days a week in the two very needy classrooms. Instead I support 9 classrooms, including the two I mentioned, and they all have many needy kids as well.
           the class makeup  has changed so much from even 10 years ago that providing adequate support to the classroom  is almost impossible. I spend more time modifying and adapting materials for the classroom teacher than I do working with my \"coded\" kids. International students ( who speak very little English at first), ESL students ( whose family do not speak English - My district has about 15 interpeters on staff just so we can have meetings with parents), behaviour issues, and then there are the 3 - 5 Learning disabled students per class. Throw in a gifted kid and a some who just have a little trouble once in a while and the classroom teacher just \"teaches to the masses\" and hopes like hell some get it. The government has continued to squeeze districts even within the imposed contracts. Fewer special education teachers ( they keep raising the bar for the kid to get support), closing libraries etc. etc.
It sucks.
Like Slammedbus, I used to go between being a management lackey and a union flagwaver. My background is management but I can tell you the arrogance and stupidness of this governments decisions have me volunteering for extra picket duty!!  

Provincial Exams, especially for grade 10's are a whole other issue but I can tell you, as I also taught high school socials two years ago that getting kids prepared for them in todays classroom is a real tough go and kids who should not fail are failing!!!

Think about this - If you enjoy the right to vote in elections, if your wife or mother enjoys the right to vote, if you know a black american who can now vote - then you can thank people who broke the law of the land at the time. Little significant social change has happened without some civil disobedience.

I can also tell you I know of no teacher ( and I know a few since my sisters, my wife and even my mother either were or are teachers) who wants it to be like this. We want to teach - but we do not agree with the imposed direction that public education is taking.

and............  it's not about just the money!!


sory about the rant  -  it's been a frustrating week listening to the half truths and misinformation that abounds.
 

[Shane]

I support the teachers striking because of class size,

 I do not support them for striking in regards to a pay increase.

 Teachers are paid enough.  Like any job once you are there for awhile you get a raise.  You start at 34,000 - 49,000 depending on your schooling and job position , and earn increases after time.  

Put in time and get rewarded just like the system is laid out.  

Here's a good read  for everyone to update you on wages.   My brother in-law who is a teacher  is complaining about only get paid for 10 months, many people would give anything for being paid this kind of money for 10 months work.

http://www.bctf.ca/ResearchReports/2003ts01/report.html
http://www.bctf.ca/ResearchReports/2003ts0...s01/report.html


Here's my take and some will balk at it, but it will not change the situation right now, for what I'm saying would take years to come around.

We live in a consumer driven market, we want everything NOW.  We don't relize it took our parents many years to accumilate everything, What did our parents do without a visa card???  They didn't buy until they had the money.  This is something most of us  have a problem with... I can't live without a visa card.  Something is wrong and we are all apart of it.  More money  for the teachers is needed to buy what? more things?  How many of us grew up with 3 pairs of pants and 3 shirts?  Now there is a walk in closet with $3,000+ worth of clothes hangin there.   I know many are living to look good to others which is a very hard life to live, since we moved up here we only shop at the thrift stores, (wow it seems like every one is shopping at the thrift store, what was my problem in Langley).  We spent money too living in Langley, the car, clothes, where to eat, cell phones for each, kids clothes from Gap, the new Van X 2  .  

Go through what you spend and you will see you can probably make up some extra money by not living to keep up an image.  How did our parents do it?  More people then were not living to set an image, if you didn't have the money you didn't buy it.

Moving up here to the Shuswap was the best thing for us.  You have no idea how many rusty  cars are up here.  People don't care as much what others think, which is the way it should be.  I can go down town in my grubby work clothes to the grocery store, and everyone else is also in there grubby clothes, and they say hi even though I'm all grubby looking.  Hmmm I wouldn't dare do that in Langley.

The flip side to everything I just said is that housing prices are so ridiculous it's a joke,  Our house was just re-appraised at $75,000 more than when we bought 17 months ago.  How can any younger person or couple afford such an increase,... they can't, Jeez and this is not even in the lower mainland where it is even worse.  If you havn't been in the housing market for 12+ years you have no chance then, even if you have, it is still hard for some. I'm all for getting more money just so you can live in a place.  This is why everyone should move to the shuswap, it's affordable for 1 more year max for young people.

So maybe I'm giving a mixed message,   here's the shortened version.  No money to teachers for wants and conveniences , yes money to teachers if it goes for housing only.

Just be nice on the slams ok

Kevin

Dood, You are sniffin to much of that Thrift store Musty clothes....My god what does all that Hillbilly talk have to do with the contracts???
We had what we had as kids cuz our parents did not make much money and my parents never owned a house , so should I sell mine and rent and shop at Billy village cuz they did??? My goal in life is to have a better life than I had, Provide for my Family better than it was provided for me..
Don't Hate the player Billy, Hate the game...
They have not had any pay increases yet the cost of living has gone up Huge lik eyou have stated.... Comsumer driven or not they have to keep up???
So they should be punished because they chose to educate our children???Do your kids go to public school???

Oh and beside Zellers what other shops you got there anyways???

[Billyisgr8]

I know all to well about the class room sizes, my 1 girl is a special needs student and gets a 1 on 1 every day in this school because of the smaller area, in Langley she only had help 2 days a week, this is huge.  Living here is the best thing for her and us, so far we have not heard of anything about the Ta position being cut back,  class size has to be reduced, we are growing kids that are getting less smart.  How many grade 8 know there times tables to 9.  It's pretty sad, so many don't.

The union stated they had a budget cut the last time they striked in 2000 ( or what ever year this also happened).  The Cambel govt actually increased the budget for the teachers?  Where did this money go? Look at the stats, I remember looking at this in 2000 when this happened then too.  There was extra money for more teachers, it was swallowed up by wages instead. Now here we go again.

The govt isn't stupid ( we all know some of the members are) when planning wages, they know what the bottom line is.  They are running this province like a business, it is the bottom line that counts.  If they give every union what they want,  there will not be enough for the infastructure of BC.  Like we aren't in debt enough.  It has to be run like a huge corporation and we are the shareholders, the problem is that 60% are being paid by the corporation, which is a conflict of intrest in the normal business world.

If anything they pad some pockets too much like management, but management is another story.




Kevin

Ps... we have Zellers,  Bootlegger and a good thrift store, it drives my wife nuts to not have a good MALL!!
 

[Chris]

If the government drives up the inflation rates and cost of living by taxing us more and more and dont give government employees a raise to accomodate for it, are we just supposed to accept that being an employee is a one way ticket to the poorhouse?

Give your head a shake, the liberal government has done nothing but back out on contracts, roll back wages, and force people to work on there terms, they change the law to suit there needs, that is an abuse of authority, not running a business. They give themselves raises, up there pensions, without even blinking. HEU employees wages rolled back 20% and they made it retroactive!! WTF!! People had to pay the government back!! Nurses contract ripped up and forced back to work! No one becomes a Nurse, or a teacher, or a orderly for the money.

BTW, I had 1 pair of jeans and 1 pair of jogging pants per year for most of my high school years so that my sisters could get the things they wanted.  

[Type2Meister]

Great post guys!  All I can say is, NO DOUBT, NO DOUBT, NO DOUBT!
I am over in Victoria now as a first year metalwork teacher.  Of course now I am out on the picket lines working for free.  I appreciate the positive words and airing of misconceptions because they sure are out there.  If I wasn't a teacher I would likely not have realized the government's role in fuelling this political protest.  The posts I've read here echo what I have been seeing on the picket lines...thumbs up, honks, and waves for the major majority.  It is encouraging, thanks!  Hopefully it will be resolved soon.
Paul

[rustybus]

All I have to say about this is Kevin Your on the ball.

[slammedbus]

I know all to well about the class room sizes, my 1 girl is a special needs student and gets a 1 on 1 every day in this school because of the smaller area, in Langley she only had help 2 days a week, this is huge.  Living here is the best thing for her and us, so far we have not heard of anything about the Ta position being cut back,  class size has to be reduced, we are growing kids that are getting less smart.  How many grade 8 know there times tables to 9.  It's pretty sad, so many don't.

The union stated they had a budget cut the last time they striked in 2000 ( or what ever year this also happened).  The Cambel govt actually increased the budget for the teachers?  Where did this money go? Look at the stats, I remember looking at this in 2000 when this happened then too.  There was extra money for more teachers, it was swallowed up by wages instead. Now here we go again.

The govt isn't stupid ( we all know some of the members are) when planning wages, they know what the bottom line is.  They are running this province like a business, it is the bottom line that counts.  If they give every union what they want,  there will not be enough for the infastructure of BC.  Like we aren't in debt enough.  It has to be run like a huge corporation and we are the shareholders, the problem is that 60% are being paid by the corporation, which is a conflict of intrest in the normal business world.

If anything they pad some pockets too much like management, but management is another story.




Kevin

Ps... we have Zellers,  Bootlegger and a good thrift store, it drives my wife nuts to not have a good MALL!!

Kevin: That may be the case in Sicamous but a 20 minute drive away, that is NOT the case. The three high schools in our area have been cut big time. I don't think you will feel the same way about your daughters support when she gets to Eagle River as my friend that teaches there also says that their high school has seen dramatic cutbacks as well.
 

[Matt]

If the government drives up the inflation rates and cost of living by taxing us more and more and dont give government employees a raise to accomodate for it, are we just supposed to accept that being an employee is a one way ticket to the poorhouse?

So should Government employees be the only people with wage increases? What about the rest of the working world? Do we not pay the same inflated cost of living and high taxes? Why do you think you are the only class of people that deserve more???

Of course now I am out on the picket lines working for free.

Dude, I know you and all your union buddies figure you're working, cause that's what your union wants you to think. But if you are not in the classroom, you are not working, you're on strike. BIG DIFFERENCE!!!

Most everyone here knows how I feel about these fuckin unions, so we wont even go there.

[Shane]

If the government drives up the inflation rates and cost of living by taxing us more and more and dont give government employees a raise to accomodate for it, are we just supposed to accept that being an employee is a one way ticket to the poorhouse?

So should Government employees be the only people with wage increases? What about the rest of the working world? Do we not pay the same inflated cost of living and high taxes? Why do you think you are the only class of people that deserve more???





Dude, I know you and all your union buddies figure you're working, cause that's what your union wants you to think. But if you are not in the classroom, you are not working, you're on strike. BIG DIFFERENCE!!!

Most everyone here knows how I feel about these fuckin unions, so we wont even go there.

Morning Matty.....
I for one am glad you don't like unions..

Unions are a thing of the past as I said before,
I however feel for the teachers as they were forced to make a union by the Gov. Before you just negotiated within your district.

 

[Matt]

Mornin! I am all for smaller class sizes. And more money if they can get it. But Gov't employees are not the only working class in BC.

[Shane]

But Gov't employees are not the only working class in BC.

I think Maybe you should say
Union employees...are not the the only working class...

I guess being non union means we will never have to hold a picket sign B)

And wages are really getting comparable

[slammedbus]

I do agree with you Matt. My union pisses me off as much as the gov't. If it were just as effective for me to protest on my own I would.

Another thought Kev. When your daughter gets to high school chances are Eagle River will be closed due to lack of funding. The idea is already being kicked around the table of wizards....how are you going to feel about your kids education when she needs to travel that stretch of highway everyday in the winter???