Prince George, B.C. – It’s been a tumultuous Labour Day long weekend when it comes to B.C.’s education system.

It got off to a promising start Friday when “miracle mediator” Vince Ready stepped in for exploratory talks with the BCTF and BCPSEA but quickly descended into chaos when he abruptly walked out Saturday evening because both sides were “too far apart.”

Shortly after talks broke down the union and the government released statements pleading their case – the BCTF blaming the government for not bringing more money to the table and the BCPSEA countering that the union’s demands are “unaffordable” for taxpayers.

BCTF president Jim Iker is now calling upon Premier Christy Clark to meet with him to help reach “reach a fair settlement” to the dispute before classes are scheduled to start (September 3 in Prince George).

In the meantime the province has launched its website for parents of public school students 12 years old and under to receive $40 per student for each day school is not in session due to the labour dispute (http://bcparentinfo.ca).