Education Minister Peter Fassbender released the following statement on discussions with the BC Teachers’ Federation:

“Today, the BC Public School Employers’ Association’s (BCPSEA) Chief Negotiator, Peter Cameron, contacted the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) President Jim Iker to discuss the status of negotiations.

“In early July, the parties held exploratory discussions with Justice Stephen Kelleher to determine whether the time was right for mediation.

“Unfortunately, the BCTF executive would not commit to mediating a total compensation package that would fall in the same affordability zone as the other public sector agreements reached to date.

“Justice Kelleher found that mediation was not indicated at that time and nothing material has changed since then.

“BCPSEA stands ready to negotiate anytime, with or without a mediator, whenever the BCTF is ready to commit to a fair and affordable settlement that is in line with the other public sector agreements reached to date.

“Government wants to see a negotiated agreement but remains firm in its commitment to balance the budget and deal fairly with all 300,000 B.C. public sector workers.”

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963