 sj |
||
|
||
BS: On strike and in contempt of court
|
|
|
Subject: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: dianavan Date: 15 Oct 05 - 01:10 AM Some of you belong to unions, some of you don't so some of might be interested, some of you not. B.C.'s teachers have been legislated as an essential service, their bargaining rights stripped and have had four contracts imposed on them in the last ten years. We decided enough was enough and voted 90.5% to strike. We were, of course, legislated back to work. We (40,000 teachers of B.C.) refused and continued to walk the line. We were held in contempt of court. We continued to walk. The union's assets were frozen so that they could not pay us our $50.00 a day strike pay or publicly advertise. We will continue to walk until the provincial government sits down with us to negotiate a contract. Parents, students and other unions are supporting us. Our school trustees support us, City hall supports us, now the Federation of Labour is holding a protest in the provincial capital to protest an unjust law which has stripped us of our rights. All public sector and some private sector unions in the capital will join in. We started out as 40,000 strong and now we are 210,000 strong and growing. Our support reaches from the Pacific to the Atlantic of Canada. I am retiring in a few years so the working and learning conditions we are fighting for will not benefit me and in fact will hurt my pension. This is not about money or personal gain. Its about democratic principles. I thought some of you might be interested to know that some of us are indeed ready to fight for democracy. Wish us luck - we will need it! http://www.workingtv.com/bctfsupportrally.html |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in cotempt of court From: dianavan Date: 15 Oct 05 - 01:18 AM bad spelling error in the title - apologies Ahould be contempt! Also lost a few words here and there. Sorry, its late and walking that picket line in the wind and the rain is mind numbing. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Joe Offer Date: 15 Oct 05 - 03:54 AM Good luck, Diana. It seems it has become fashionable to "bust unions" again. It's patently unfair to freeze the union's assets so it can't give strike pay. -Joe Offer- |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Richard Bridge Date: 15 Oct 05 - 03:58 AM Shades of Margaret Thatcher! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in cotempt of court From: GUEST,Boab Date: 15 Oct 05 - 04:01 AM My partner is a BC teacher, Dianavan.She's home tonight chilled to the bone after sharing the gawdawful weather with you. And she'll be out there again Monday in vehement protest against the jackboots which seem to have taken over British Columbia. The courts have colluded with Campbell's vultures in cutting the BCTF members FROM THEIR OWN MONEY. And some say the law can't be bad?? We are depending now on Boab's small [real small] pension; but it needs a fight to get the kids back all that has been literally stolen from them by this bunch. I hope now for positive support from BC workers. If it is not forthcoming, this could end in an even deeper slough of despond for both kids and teachers in BC. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: GUEST,Guest Jon Bartlett Date: 15 Oct 05 - 04:21 AM I think the BC Liberal government has made a HUGE mistake in how they are playing the strike. The standard line from them (and from their supporters) is "The fault's with the big, bad union, not with the nurses/teachers/ferryworkers/whoever." The Court has taken the BCTF out of the picture: it can't distribute strike pay, use its offices, its emails, etc. Now it's the big, bad GOVERNMENT against the poor teachers, and this will make it all but impossible to get public support. By legislating the teachers back even before they had gone out, they used up every tool in the toolbox. If teachers now refuse to go back without a repeal of Bill 12 (which ordered them back and extended the contract), the government can do nothing more, except maybe send the union leaders to jail. And can you imagine that as a media event - with bands playing, banners waving and thousands behind them in a March of Honour? Way to go, teachers! You make me proud to be a BC'er! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Don(Wyziwyg)T Date: 15 Oct 05 - 09:17 AM I hope you get what you should have a right to, Dianavan. Everyone should have those basic rights, whatever the cost. Don T. BTW Richard, I can't recall Maggie freezing Union assets to prevent strike pay. When did that happen? I was under the impression that essential services "No strike" agreements in the UK were negotiated, not imposed. Don T. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Gray D Date: 15 Oct 05 - 02:48 PM Let's not get into thread drift Don T. The union laws in the UK are (still) complicated and, to my mind, draconian. Discuss it on a separate thread if you must but let's stick to using this one to support BC's teachers. How COULD a government try to make teachers and their representatives look like bad guys? That's just deranged. Good luck and success with your fight Dianavan and the rest of your colleagues. Gray D |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Peace Date: 15 Oct 05 - 02:59 PM Dianavan, I don't doubt that the various Associations and Federations will be sending some financial help, also. This site has letters of support from teacher organizations/unions/federations. Hang tough and thank you from the rest of us. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: GUEST Date: 15 Oct 05 - 03:38 PM Dianavan, You and I have had our squabbles here at Mudcat, but I support you and your union fully on this one! Art Thieme |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Peace Date: 15 Oct 05 - 03:42 PM "Are you showing contempt for this court?" "Uh, no! We're doing our best to hide it." |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: wysiwyg Date: 15 Oct 05 - 04:06 PM Best of luck to you all, dianavan. ~S~ |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Mooh Date: 15 Oct 05 - 07:01 PM dianavan...If I could walk the line with you I would, so trust I'm with you in spirit. I have worked as a union-side negotiator for strike and arbitration workplaces in Ontario, and know that any government which imposes an "agreement" has agreed to nothing and turns back the clock on labour relations decades in both respect and trust. Hold your ground. How long the general strike? Peace, Mooh. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: John O'L Date: 15 Oct 05 - 07:20 PM My sympathies are with you too dianavan. We are all under attack from this new wave of corporate bean counting. Every win against inhumanity is vital to all of us. Be strong for all our sake. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: GUEST Date: 15 Oct 05 - 09:43 PM With you, sister. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Clinton Hammond Date: 15 Oct 05 - 09:51 PM Give 'em hell!!! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: dianavan Date: 15 Oct 05 - 10:27 PM Thank-you so much for your support. It really means alot to us. Many of us are struggling financially as a result of this strike, especially those with one income and those with two teacher incomes. Luckily, our banks are very helpful to us at this time (only too glad to extend the overdraft) and our union is able to provide interest free loans. Post-secondary unions are handing out $50.00 food vouchers and parents and students are walking the picket line with us, bringing us cookies and donuts. Even our administrators (principal and V.P.) are bringing out pots of hot tea. I have never felt so much support and so much unity in this province. I think what encourages us the most is that our students are supporting us. The most important thing of all is that instead of seeing us as law-breakers, they see us as having the courage to stand up to injustice. I now understand the meaning of being a good 'role model'. We are showing them how to stand up to bullies. I am proud to be a teacher. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Bassic Date: 16 Oct 05 - 06:17 AM Part Of The Union by Ford/Hudson, (The Strawbs) Now I'm a union man Amazed at what I am I say what I think That the company stinks Yes I'm a union man. When we meet in the local hall I'll be voting with them all With a hell of a shout It's out brothers out And the rise of the factory's fall. Oh you don't get me I'm part of the union You don't get me I'm part of the union You don't get me I'm part of the union Till the day I die, till the day I die. As a union man I'm wise To the lies of the company spies And I don't get fooled By the factory rules 'Cause I always read between the lines. And I always get my way If I strike for higher pay When I show my card To the Scotland Yard This what I say. Oh you don't get me I'm part of the union You don't get me I'm part of the union You don't get me I'm part of the union Till the day I die, till the day I die. Before the union did appear My life was half as clear Now I've got the power To the working hour And every other day of the year. So though I'm a working man I can ruin the government's plan Though I'm not too hard The sight of my card Makes me some kind of superman. Oh you don't get me I'm part of the union You don't get me I'm part of the union You don't get me I'm part of the union Till the day I die, till the day I die. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: JennyO Date: 16 Oct 05 - 08:59 AM Dianavan - with you in solidarity! - from JennyO and jack halyard (John Warner) Bring Out The Banners A Song by John Warner ©John Warner 1997 (Tune: Oxford or See Amid The Winter's Snow by John Goss. 1800-1880) In faded photo, like a dream, A locomotive under steam Rolls with the ranks of marching feet And union banners on the street. Chorus Bring out the banners once again, You union women, union men, That all around may plainly see The power of our unity. I've seen those banners richly made With symbols fair of craft and trade, The union's names in red and gold, Their aspirations printed bold. Boilermakers, smiths and cooks, Stevedores with cargo hooks, Declare their union strong and proud, Rank on rank before the crowd. They won the eight-hour working day, They won our right to honest pay, Victorious their banners shone, How dare we lose what they have won? Today, when those who rule divide, We must be standing side by side, Our rights were bought with tears and pain, Bring out the banners once again. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: dianavan Date: 16 Oct 05 - 10:39 PM The Business Council of BC has told us to go back to work and that we are basically thumbing our noses at the court. http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/10/16/teachers-bc051016.html ...hmmm - not actually. We're thumbing our noses at an unjust law. What happens to us will effect every union and subsequently, non-union worker in B.C. Since when do union workers listen to business, especially big business? Why do they think we have unions in the first place? Big business is afraid that we are going to shut-down the provincial capital and hurt business. Well, yeah... thats the idea. If they are so afraid, maybe they should implore the government they put in power, to sit down and negotiate a contract with us. Appealing to us to return to work is laughable. Accusing us of thumbing our noses at the justice system is just another way of trying to demonize us. We had to take the govt. to supreme court so that we could even be allowed to talk to parents regarding our working and learning conditions. Do governments think that they can make unjust laws and then expect that we will blindly follow because it is the law? Kill Bill 12! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Stilly River Sage Date: 16 Oct 05 - 11:24 PM They've probably learned some of their dirty tricks froms South of the border. Bush has nailed federal employees here again and again with his totally unfair policies and practices. They are also prohibited from striking. (One year he took back part of the federal 3% COLA and gave it as a big juicy bonus to his overpaid political appointees). Good luck. You will need it to get through all of the pressure. SRS |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Hrothgar Date: 17 Oct 05 - 06:32 AM Little John Howard wants to bring in laws like this for everybody in Australia. Give 'em hell, D! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Mooh Date: 17 Oct 05 - 07:19 AM Denying workers their strike pay is like the bank preventing you from withdrawing cash. The money is already the worker's money, not the employer's or the government's. It is set aside as insurance. It is managed and invested by the representing union as it is a portion of the dues paid by the worker. The government has the lesser weapon if the teachers will stay out long enough and sell their cause skillfully. Call the general strike! Peace, Mooh. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 17 Oct 05 - 09:03 AM Denying workers strike pay is a bullying Facsist act. They won;t let them have unemployment benefits either, I bet. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: gnu Date: 17 Oct 05 - 11:54 AM Solidarity!! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: GUEST Date: 17 Oct 05 - 12:12 PM Hopefully you'll have better luck there than unionists have here in the good ole' U.S. of A. Remember striking air traffic controllers during the Ray-gun administration? Uncle Ronnie declared a national emergency and ordered them back to work. Those that stood their ground lost their jobs to workers looking to get hired in. The same strategy was then used on United Transportation Union workers - when the railroad workers struck, their service was considered essential and with the railroads shut down the country was in a state of national emergency. Go back to work or lose your job to someone who doesn't care about unions as long as he can get a coveted railroad job and feed his family. UTU lost all their bargaining power, but none of ther union dues, as it was mandatory to be a part of the union in order to keep the job. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: TheBigPinkLad Date: 17 Oct 05 - 04:57 PM Well, it's pissing rain but on the Legislature laws are thousands of teachers and supporters excercising their right to protest. The Premier has just told a press conference that the action is illegal and teachers should get back to work before any talks can happen. A special prosecutor has been appointed to consider what action to take against both union leaders AND individual teachers. One kid I saw had a placard showing the Maui mug-shot of Premier Cambell when he got arrested for drunk driving last year overwritten with "My Granny is not a Criminal". Cute. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: TheBigPinkLad Date: 17 Oct 05 - 05:09 PM Legislature laws should be Legislature lawns ... |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: dianavan Date: 17 Oct 05 - 10:21 PM I didn't picket today. I worked in the union office. Can't say what I was doing. It might be illegal. Lots of good jokes about being criminals. Listened to Campbell on the radio. One of the many things that he failed to mention is that the reason a special prosecutor was appointed was because the association of public prosecutors refused to prosecute. He says it was because there was a conflict of interest. Maybe its because he already screwed them around last year. Campbell keeps saying that if we go back to work, the union will be invited to talk at his super, duper, new Learning Roundtable. Why? We already have a process for negotiations in place. This is just another slimy trick. His credibility is zero! He wants to break the union but everytime he treats us with contempt, we just get stronger. For those of you who don't know about the Maui mug-shot; our Premier Campbell (the real criminal) was arrested for drunk driving in Maui. What they haven't told you was why his wife wasn't with him in Hawaii and who he had just dropped off. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: GUEST,parent Date: 18 Oct 05 - 08:42 PM and I bet that theyre doing it all for the kids.. I understand the teachers are looking for a 15% increase. as well as reduced class sizes. Not bad, I wouldnt mind a 15% increase either. with a starting salary of $39,000 and 2 months off in the summer plus a couple of weeks for Christmas & Spring breaks and the 9 stats, I dont think they have much to complain about. oh and of course, their job is so much harder and more stressful than all the rest of us.. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 18 Oct 05 - 08:53 PM As someone who walked away from a Teacher training course after the first Prac Teaching week cause I could see that the little Teachers don't have the summer 'off' they are doing planning, etc. And from my friends who are teachers - it's a very high stress job that has a few satisfactions to people who care about other people. But why should they live in less luxury that businessmen who have easier jobs and get paid millions? |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Bobert Date: 18 Oct 05 - 09:26 PM Hey, don't matter if yer a teacher, a fireman or a brick layer, bottom line is that your work positively impacts the *wealth* of yer community... Now I have stated before that all wealth is created from labor and not capital and no one yet has convinced me otherwise so... ... hey, why shouldn't the common folks, who slave away a greater portion of their individual lives, not be rewarded for their efforts??? No, in recent years it seem that those with money think their money *entitles* them to teh lions share of the wealth??? LIke, where di they ever get that idea??? Oh yeah, it's the way rich folks think???? Here in the US, the rich folk aren't content in reinvestin' their tax windfalls, thanks to Bush, into factories to employ Americans... No, they want to use their tax "relief" to lend back to the workin' class (at eusery interest rates)... Like big whoop!!!! Meanwhile the workin' stiff goes backwards.... I know that America is long over due for a revolution but didn't think Canada 'er BC was that close on our heels... Hang in there, d, an' as a former teacher, I know yer worth, even if the knotheadas don't... Bobert |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Peace Date: 18 Oct 05 - 09:38 PM "Not bad, I wouldnt mind a 15% increase either. with a starting salary of $39,000 and 2 months off in the summer plus a couple of weeks for Christmas & Spring breaks and the 9 stats" Here's how. Get a Degree and Certification and luxury is YOURS. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 18 Oct 05 - 09:58 PM And you won't get Certified with one of those cheap $50 on line degrees either - well maybe you will, but not as a Teacher... |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: dianavan Date: 19 Oct 05 - 12:16 AM Dear Parent - As a starting point for negotiation, teacher are asking for a 15% raise over the next three years. Considering that we have had a 1% raise each year for the last 10 years, I don't think that its unreasonable. Ontario teachers, where the cost of living is similar, make $10,000.00 more a year than we do. For ten years we have been tightening our belts but this year the Province has an economic surplus. Last year, the MLA's gave themselves a 10% increase and this year, Corporations were given big tax cuts. Since our salaries have not even kept up with the cost of living and inflation, it is our turn to reap some of the benefits of our healthy economy. When I applied for the professional development program, there were 800 applicants for 200 seats. This year there are 85 empty seats. The profession is not attracting enough young people. You tell me why? Most teachers would not care about a salary increase if we could improve the learning and working conditions at school. As a proponent of integration of special needs students, I am horrified to see what has resulted. Special needs students need additional support. That support and programming has not come through. Those kids have simply been dumped into the mainstream classroom with little or no assistance. In addition there are students with severe behavioural problems and students who are learning English as a second language. Without the additional support, what kind of education do you think the mainstream kids are receiving? In our district, teacher spend an average of $500.00 a year for learning resources. We aren't doing that anymore and parents are burnt-out on fund-raising. Its time the government took some responsibility and started funding the schools adequately. We have high school students in classes that are so crowded that they have to share desks. There are not even enough places to sit! We (parents and teachers) have accomodated cut-backs long enough. BTW Guest Parent - How much time have you spent in your child's classroom? Anyone who is actively involved in their child's education understands that this is an important partnership. Those that don't, tend to treat teachers like overpaid babysitters. Oh and P.S. Teachers do not make the school calendar. That was decided long ago when parents needed the kids to help out on the farm. Many, many teachers teach summer school or work at other jobs to make ends meet. ...and lets not forget that $50,000.00 student loan debt that had to be paid back. Yeah - and now the Ratepayers Assoc. say they are going to sue the union for daycare expenses that they have had to pay since school has been shut down. What kind of school do they want their kid to attend? I guess for some people, their kids are the responsibility of someone else. Too bad they don't care about their child's environment. Out of sight, out of mind. I would also like to say that the teachers here are highly trained and exceptionally good at what they do. We have an excellent reputation. Out math students placed third, internationally. You know what? You get what you pay for and if the schools don't get more money, the kids will suffer and society will suffer. I shudder to imagine what will become of the families who do not seem to value their children. You reap what you sow. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: ragdall Date: 19 Oct 05 - 01:52 AM dianavan, Thank you for all the background information. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I teach on call in B.C. The children need the learning conditions to improve. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: dianavan Date: 19 Oct 05 - 03:49 AM Guest,parent - ...and another thing! Get your figures straight or site your source. A teacher starts at $35,000.00 Canadian, and thats after a couple of years of being on-call, part-time and trying to pay off his/her student loan debt. That means that after taxes and deductions, he/she will be bringing home about 18,000.00 Canadian for living expenses and debts. How much is that in U.S. dollars per month? ragdall - For a look at the contract, go here - http://www.bctf.bc.ca/locals/local391/agreement.html Scroll down to the red, to see what the government stripped from the contract. We sought to restore some of those services. They came to the table 34 times with 0% on their plate. We took job action. Our peaceful protest was legal and included no administrative paperwork or meetings called by admin. They quickly imposed, through legislation, the stripped contract. There was no negotiated agreement. We walked out. They took us to court. We broke the law and are still walking. They threatened criminal contempt. We get the hammer Friday. Now the govt. has invited us to a new, improved, 'round-table' for a little talk, if we return to the classroom. Why would they negotiate at a round table any better than they did at the table they already had? We say, use the process thats in place and come to the table in good faith with no previous conditions. Now the big, labour negotiator, Vince Reddy, has been invited(appointed?) to mediate this stand-off. I want to go back to teaching but after seven years of university and ten years of teaching, I think it would be a waste of human resources if I can do no more than provide a babysitting service for your kids. Is that what parents want? |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Mooh Date: 19 Oct 05 - 09:15 AM Call the general strike. When the Ontario teachers were out in dispute a few years ago, they went back prematurely, and got hammered by the government in the end. Stay out until your point is made AND you've calculated success. Rally the troops. Peace, Mooh. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Charmion Date: 19 Oct 05 - 12:49 PM I'm a federal civil servant who has been on strike twice in five years. Both times, the Treasury Board of Canada (the formal employer) made risible offers and implied that any strike action would eventually result in back-to-work legislation, as happened in 1991. The "eventually" part is to guarantee that the union's funds are depleted. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a Canadian union has had its strike fund frozen, and in fact it could not have been done without the contempt conviction. The BC government could not have chosen a more effective way to polarize the situation and make itself look like the Big Bad Wolf, and I hope the teachers' union can hang on long enough to reap the benefit. At least the BC teachers are fully mobilized, and are not faced with the disheartening spectacle of scabbing colleagues while they walk the line. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Sorcha Date: 19 Oct 05 - 01:16 PM I've often disagreed with some of your views but I'm with you on this one! Go girl!!! Make em eat dirt! |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: number 6 Date: 19 Oct 05 - 06:02 PM Good one Bassic !!! Good to see that posted on this thread. The (accoustic) Strawbs are playing here in Saint John November 10th. sIx |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Big Mick Date: 19 Oct 05 - 06:22 PM Dianavan, would that I could be there with you. I would love to walk the line, and entertain the strikers. For this we can thank the good ole USA. As a result of the tactics of Walmart, and other big businesses, they have managed to widen the gap between rich and poor, and destroy fairly negotiated pensions and benefits. And now they are exporting this attitude to countries like Canada and Germany. I am with Mooh and others on this. When they froze the Union treasury, they took a position against the workers and their collective bargaining representative. They took unfair advantage of their statutory powers to destroy the Union. They have no more right to the assets of the Union, than they have to your personal property. Sometimes the law doesn't serve the people. At these times people of conscience and dedication must choose to ignore the law no matter the cost. Call the General Strike. There should not be a car moving, a train running, a bus running, a plant operating, or a store selling until this thing is resolved. I do so wish I could be there in person, but know that I am with you in solidarity. Mick |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 19 Oct 05 - 07:09 PM A daughter-in-law retired from BC schools at the end of the last term, and is very happy to be away from a stressful career that has not helped her health. Alberta, next door to B. C. is very right wing and anti-union. At this time, down the road from Calgary, employees are on strike against the American-owned Tyson-Lakeside meat packers, but the strike breakers are gaining access to the plant with the aid of government-requested court orders. Company men are charged with injuring the union head (they crashed his car), but I doubt the charges will be upheld. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: dianavan Date: 20 Oct 05 - 02:57 AM I sure do appreciate all of the support and thank-you Big Mick for offering to play a tune for us. Yes Mick you are right, "Sometimes the law doesn't serve the people. At these times people of conscience and dedication must choose to ignore the law no matter the cost." Or as Jenny Sims (Pres. of BCTF) says, "There's a great deal of difference between breaking the law and a law designed to break you." I have made up my mind that if we are asked to vote on returning to classes with a pay raise and promises, I will vote NO. I know that the only solution is to repeal Bill 12 and reward all of the workers for the support they have given to us. At this point, an end to the strike should benefit everyone. I'm ready for the long haul. If nothing else, we have shown students what solidarity is all about. We have also gained alot of respect. I'm actually hoping for a general strike. I think it will be less painful than dragging it out any longer. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Metchosin Date: 20 Oct 05 - 05:12 AM Big Mick, we don't have Walmart to thank for this, we manage to embroil ourselves in this kind of shit quite well on our own and have since colonial times with the advent of the CPR, logging and coal mining. Very few governments of this Province have ever sought equitable solutions regarding labour problems and any joy on the labour front here, has always been long coming and hard fought. The usual mind set is that anything that is good for business is good for BC and labour concerns and rights don't figure highly in the equation. The powers that be don't like labour getting too uppity (my gawd, they even had the audacity to form a couple of governments and what an aberration that was!) and usually take any opportunity to punish the "other side", if they don't come cap in hand. Its made BC, one of the most politically polarized provinces in all of Canada......pity. BTW, hang in there dianavan. Bill 12 stinks. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Big Mick Date: 20 Oct 05 - 08:41 AM Metch, what I meant by that comment was that Walmart is at the front of the vanguard of a school of thought that is designed to take advantage of folks need to survive, enhance profits at the expense of quality of life for average folks. As these folks have used their wealth to lobby and weaken the labor movement, we see this school of thought spreading to the schools and municipalities. The haves continue to make war against the collectively bargained gains that working folks have made over the years. The gap continues to widen. But everything that is old is new. The actions of these profiteers will ultimately strengthen the resolve of folks to take back some measure to control. When an employer screws with people in one place, they and all their cohorts need to feel pressure everyplace. It is a concept the Wobblies, even though it was unworkable at the time, understood well. In the age of the Internet, perhaps it is an idea whose time has come. I believe it is time for working folks to take it to the streets. The system has become corrupted to where it works against the average worker instead of protecting them. Mick |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 20 Oct 05 - 08:57 AM Social pendulums swing back and forth. "teachers are fully mobilized, and are not faced with the disheartening spectacle of scabbing colleagues" Yeah - think about it! What with the working conditions and pay, who would be stupid enough to want to scab against teachers? And then there's the bloody kids, nasty little trouble makers too... :-) The Right Wingers may have blown this one, they may be too stupid to realise that teachers can;t just be rapidly replaced by any desperate unemployed untrained idiot off the street... |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: TheBigPinkLad Date: 20 Oct 05 - 12:53 PM Hot off the press: BCTF publicly releasing 4-point proposal to settle teachers' strike - Lead - CKNW - 9:30am October 20, 2005 In what it's calling an unusual move, the BC Teachers Federation is publicly releasing its proposal to settle the teachers' strike. Reporter: It's a 4-point plan that includes class size limits for grades 4 to 12, including successful integration of special needs students, staffing ratios for specialist teachers, a 3-year agreement that includes no wage increase in the first year and reasonable wage increases in the second and third. The BC Teachers Federation is now calling on the government to make a similar compromise. Meetings are set with facilitator Vince Ready for later today. Pickets will remain up, however, until a resolution is reached. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Charmion Date: 20 Oct 05 - 03:08 PM Foolestroupe, when I mentioned "scabbing colleagues" I meant just that -- the draining experience of seeing the people you work with every day, and not replacement workers, cross your picket line and go in to do struck work. The Public Service Alliance of Canada struck in 2001 and 2004, and both times saw a corporal's guard on the lines while many union members stayed home and a distressingly large number scabbed. I hope the BC teachers don't have the same problem. It's really upsetting. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: On strike and in contempt of court From: Auggie Date: 20 Oct 05 - 03:40 PM Hey Guest, Parent My daughter wants to know where those $39K/year jobs are. She's in her first year teaching and earning $26,400 (before taxes). |
