Both Sides Going Over Ready's Report

Friday, October 21, 2005 04:02 AM

Still no school today, but even though facilitator Vince Ready said the dispute had reached a stalemate because the two sides were too far apart, he has delivered a set of recommendations.

Labour Minister Mike de Jong describes them as thoughtful recommendations and says the government wants to consider them before providing a full response later this morning.

Here in a nutshell are Ready's six points:

Harmonized salary grids
Government is to commit $40 million towards the harmonization of salary grids throughout the province. The parties are to meet within 60 days of teachers returning to work in order to determine specific mechanics.
Benefits
$40 million funding by government to the BCTF's LTD trust. The parties must conduct a study of benefits (i.e., all non-salary monetary provisions) applicable in each school district with a view to harmonizing benefit provisions in the upcoming negotiations.
Recruitment and Retention of Teachers on Call (ToCs)
Government to fund $5.25 million to establish uniform daily base rate of $190 and for the placement of ToCs on the provincial salary grid after three continuous days in any assignment. Also covers ToCs seniority issues.
Learning Roundtable
Recommendation to increase the number of BCTF nominees to the Learning Roundtable.
Class Size and Composition
Government to increase its commitment for learning conditions in this fiscal year from $150 million to $170 million. The additional money is to be targeted to issues of class size and special needs students. Recommends government consult with the BCTF with respect to potential amendments to the School Act with respect to class size limits for Grades 4-12.
Consultation with Teachers
Recommends the government and the BCTF establish an ongoing process for communication regarding teacher issues.

The other main event today, will see the teachers back in court facing Supreme Court Justice Benda Brown. She is to deliver her decision on further penalties for the teachers continued defiance of back to work orders.

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Posted on Friday, October 21, 2005 04:02 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: owl on October 21 2005 9:49 AM

Not knowing what the government has offered in past discussions with respect to the points identified by Ready, and what the teachers asked for with respect to these points, it is difficult to judge which side, if any, Ready has favoured.

However, it seems that since none of these are "keep the status quo" conditions, he appears to be saying that there is merit in the teacher's position.

Posted by: Death to Socialism on October 21 2005 10:23 AM

This is the opportunity for both sides to step back without losing face.

Posted by: Jethro on October 21 2005 11:41 AM

Wonder if Ms. Sims is going to stick to her ridiculous demand that she receives 'a letter from the Government' by the end of today...

Posted by: owl on October 21 2005 12:02 PM

This was released about an hour ago ....

Statement from Premier Gordon Campbell

Thank you all very much for coming this morning. We have had a chance to review the recommendations that Mr. Ready has put forward. This is a constructive framework that allows us all to move forward under the law. It respects Bill-12. It bolsters the learning roundtable and learning conditions. And it respects the common wage mandate that has been laid out by the government. So, today, I can tell you that the government will be accepting the recommendations of Mr. Ready unconditionally.

........
I would hope that the teachers will accept Mr. Ready's recommendations unconditionally. I believe we can build a positive relationship as we move forward because, at the end of the day, I believe all of us are concerned about the education that our children get in the classrooms of British Columbia.

Posted by: ammonra on October 21 2005 6:12 PM

I suspect Ready favoured the children.