Tagged: British Columbia

Mediator Cancels Meetings With Teachers

BC Public School Employers' Association and BCTF Mediate Author: Stephen Alexander – The Canadian mediator between BC Public School Employers’ Association and the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) in Vancouver, British Columbia unexpectedly cancelled the scheduled meeting with the teachers’ union.

The mediator, Charles Jago, was accused by one side in early June of being biased. Jago’s bias was reportedly called into question by a lawyer for the teachers’ union as being an advocate for the government rather than a skilled negotiator who can help both parties reach a compromise.

Lawyer John Hodgins said a report in 2006 by Jago allegedly showed that the mediator favored a position held by the government. Moreover, the lawyer alleged that Jago was offered the mediator position prior to the asking the union for a list of mediators who could deal with the contract issues.

BCTF President Susan Lambert expressed disappointment and surprise at the cancellations. Lambert was concerned that the parties have not “tackled any of the very hard issues that are central to this impasse,” referring to the issues the government has brought to the negotiations.

Jago has until the end of June to finalize his report.

Mediator Wanted in British Columbia

Mediator wanted in British Columbia, Canada

Author: Stephen Alexander – The largest public sector union in British Columbia (BC), Canada wants a mediator in the failed negotiations with the provincial government. The union also warns that a strike is imminent if the mediation fails.

President Darryl Walker of the BC Government Employees Union says the parties have large divide on the main issues. He hopes that a mediator can bridge the gap.

The government has tendered an contract with a three percent pay increase over two years. The employees union wants more than the government is offering, including a cost of living increase. It says its members have not had a pay increase in three years.

Mr Walker says that if mediation fails to reach a consensus, then a strike will occur. However, the union wants to stay at the negotiation table and purse all other options.

The union represents around 25,000 workers who voted eighty-two percent in favor of a job action last month. A strike would involve clerical workers, liquor store employees, and social workers to name a few professions involved with the union.