Employers question the legality of B.C. Teachers’ Federation protests

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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The employers of B.C. public schools are trying to find a way to stop B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) protests that meddle with academic system’s schedule and activities. The employers have filed an application with the B.C. Labour Relations Board (LRB) urging to call the strikes illegal.

According to Hugh Finlayson, COO of the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association, most of these strikes hinder the extracurricular activities including coaching, leading school clubs and supervising camping trips.

Also, it delays tasks such as filing reports, talking to principals, meeting parents, tutoring students and performing administrative duties. Finlayson clarified that the filed application only focuses on the legal position of the federation’s protest and not on the scope of voluntary activities.

Finlayson said: “That’s a concerted action and a concerted action is not permitted.”

Mediator Charles Jago has been trying to find a common ground between both the parties. He requested the employers to finalize a renewed contract before June 30. On the other hand, the federation claims that teachers are free to deny any voluntary work.

BCTF president Susan Lambert wrote to the union members: “For this part of the action plan to be effective, and to ensure that it can be sustained until the end of June, we need to be united and strong around the province. It takes extraordinary courage for members to make these decisions, and we must support them and each other through this action plan.”