In recent statements to local media (‘Teachers’ strike disrupting school transitions in Parksville Qualicum Beach’, The NEWS, July 8), the president of BCTF Local #69 claims strike action to disrupt summer maintenance by CUPE workers will dispel the myth of teachers as snoozy layabouts basking in the summer sun. “We are doing what we can in our small way in Mount Arrowsmith,” she said.
‘Small’ is the operative word. If the union local continues with this chicken coop behaviour, they should change their motto from “show me the money!” to “If you can’t win, hurt somebody!”
This particular abuse of solidarity will not serve to pressure district administration or the employer, BCPSEA. It will, however, further burden their brothers and sisters in CUPE Local 3570 who have already sacrificed pay during the school year while teachers took an extended spring break and then initiated total walkout. If the reconfiguration of schools is not complete, classrooms will not provide working conditions conducive to learning, which means once again the harm is to students.
Jim Lettic
Nanoose Bay