The Labour
Relations Board issued a further decision at the end of last week completing
its work on the 2005 essential services designations for teachers. At the time,
teachers were protesting deteriorating class-size and composition conditions.
The chair of the board was asked, at that time, to determine for how long
teachers could withdraw services given their designation as an essential
service.
Somewhat
ironically, the LRB decided to deliver the decision just as we are embarking on
Phase 1 of our present job action plan. The
decision applies only to the 2005 dispute and not to the current dispute.
The decision is
little more than a set of recommendations that the present board may adopt,
change, or disregard. They do not set a precedent and have no impact on Phase 1 of our present job action.
To see the LRB
decision regarding the 2005 dispute, follow this link: http://www.lrb.bc.ca/decisions/B161$2011.pdf
Any further
decisions regarding what collective job actions teachers may take in the
present dispute would involve another full LRB hearing and subsequent new
orders.
As of now, our LRB sanctioned Phase 1 job action is in
full effect.
Members should go
to the member only portal at mybctf.ca and
click on Phase 1 job action for a
complete list of the job action conditions.