Experts Warn Again, B.C. Teachers’ Strike Can Take Weeks

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

Canada: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…

Yet another warning by experts have cautioned British Columbia families hopeful for a quick resolution to the teachers strike to remain watchful because the labour disruption could drag on for weeks. The day when approximately 500,000 students had to return for the first day of classes, the province’s public school teachers were on the picket lines to protest instead.

According to one of the striking teachers, Troy Hardwick, he and his colleagues weren’t happy to be outside their classrooms. He mentioned that “nobody wants to be out here. None of us want to be out here.” Whereas on the other hand, those supporting the teachers organized a demonstration at the B.C. legislature in Victoria on Tuesday, to show their solidarity with the striking educators. Meanwhile, there is no plan for immediate return of formal talks. There was earlier hope that an agreement could be achieved over the weekend, since both parties had been holding talks for days.

B.C.’s Education Minister, Peter Fassbender, blamed the teachers union and its demands, alleging that “the BCTF basically said ‘Give us what we want and that will be the solution'” and “that’s unrealistic and unaffordable.” Whereas on the other hand, B.C. Teachers’ Federation President, Jim Iker, alleged that the government needs to show that it is serious about negotiating. He mentioned that “Mr. Fassbender is out there saying that we have to make more concessions. Well, what about government? Do we need some faith from government that they actually want to get a deal?”