The B.C. legislature today passed Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act. The new legislation suspends teachers' strike action, establishes a "cooling off" period and appoints a mediator to work with the parties toward a negotiated agreement.

Minister of Education George Abbott has issued the following statement: "Last week, I introduced Bill 22, which sets a cooling off period and suspends the teachers' union strike action while calling on the assistance of a mediator.

Minister of Education George Abbott issued a statement on Bill 22.

Government introduced Bill 22 today, the Education Improvement Act, that suspends the teachers' strike action and sets a "cooling off" period, appoints a mediator to facilitate bargaining, and implements a new $165-million Learning Improvement Fund and other enhancements to K-12 education.

The BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) board of directors has ratified two-year collective agreements for support staff in 11 school districts under the government's 2010 net-zero mandate.