SD 60 recognizes that the impending teacher strike generates a lot of questions and anxiety. The district remains hopeful that a negotiated settlement will be reached soon, but in dealing with the reality of strike notice, will abide by the terms of the Labour Relations Board Ruling that details what teacher will and will not do during Phase 1 of their job action.
Phase 1 of the teachers strike has been described by the BCTF as a “teach only” action. As such it is understood that schools will be open and measures will be in place to assure student safety. Teachers will be in their classrooms, performing all of the duties they feel relate directly to teaching children. They will be withdrawing a number of services they see as administrative and non essential such as attending meetings, filling in paper work or sending or receiving written or electronic communications with administrators. Measures will be in place to ensure student safety both in the classroom and on the playgrounds. Attendance will be taken and transmitted to the office. Playground supervision schedules have been established, with administrators and exempt staff carrying the majority of the assignments.
District staff continue to be in close communication with the local teacher’s association and remain confident that both sides in the dispute will take what ever steps are needed to make sure that everyone involved and affected by this situation is kept fully informed.