The eight men and women — Alan Chell, Mauro Morrone, Annie Wilson, Doug Hamilton, Jeff Nicholson, Elmer Rorstad, Bryan Dubasov and Jewelles Smith — seeking seats at the School District 19 board table have been quizzed by the Revelstoke Teacher Association.
Some answered the five questions at length, others kept it short. There are only five seats on the school board.
Here are the questions sent to all candidates by acting President Jennifer Wolney:
1. (a) Do you support full collective bargaining rights for teachers?
(b) If you answered YES and are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education, what action would you take to show your support for full collective bargaining ?
2. Mel Joy, BCPSEA chair was recently quoted in the press as saying that BCPSEA was making its application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and to make the BCTF repay 15% of salary and benefit costs to the employer because it would put pressure on the union to make concessions at the bargaining table. Do you agree that the only way to reach an agreement is for teachers to accept concessions at the bargaining table?
3. Justice Griffin recently ruled that the Liberal government’s action of stripping teachers’ contracts of articles on class size and composition was “unconstitutional and invalid.” If you are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education and a motion was put forward to respect and restore the bargaining rights of teachers, how would you vote?
4. If elected to the Board of Education and a motion was put forward to ask the provincial government to change its bargaining mandate of net zero in order to reach a negotiated settlement with teachers , how would you vote?
5. Do you support BCPSEA’S application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and make the BCTF pay 15% of salary and benefit costs ?
Is there anything else you would like to add ? If so, please indicate this in the space below.
And these are their answers as written for the RTA and as provided to The Revelstoke Current:
Doug Hamilton
(b) If you answered YES and are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education, what action would you take to show your support for full collective bargaining ?
*** DOUG DID NOT ANSWER THIS QUESTION ***
2. Mel Joy, BCPSEA chair was recently quoted in the press as saying that BCPSEA was making its application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and to make the BCTF repay 15% of salary and benefit costs to the employer because it would put pressure on the union to make concessions at the bargaining table. Do you agree that the only way to reach an agreement is for teachers to accept concessions at the bargaining table?
*** DOUG ANSWERED YES ***
3. Justice Griffin recently ruled that the Liberal government’s action of stripping teachers’ contracts of articles on class size and composition was “unconstitutional and invalid.” If you are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education and a motion was put forward to respect and restore the bargaining rights of teachers, how would you vote?
*** DOUG ANSWERED IN FAVOUR ***
4. If elected to the Board of Education and a motion was put forward to ask the provincial government to change its bargaining mandate of net zero in order to reach a negotiated settlement with teachers , how would you vote?
*** DOUG ANSWERED IN FAVOUR ***
5. Do you support BCPSEA’S application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and make the BCTF pay 15% of salary and benefit costs ?
Is there anything else you would like to add ? If so, please indicate this in the space below.*** DOUG DID NOT MAKE COMMENTS IN THIS SPACE ***
I’m not sure what this question means. Does it mean that teachers can bargain everything, such as what they teach, when they teach it and to whom they teach it? Or does it mean that they can bargain their working conditions (class size, composition, salary, etc)? If this is what you mean then I definitely support local bargaining of working conditions.
(b) If you answered YES and are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education, what action would you take to show your support for full collective bargaining ?
Lobby first my fellow trustees and then the proper authorities.
2. Mel Joy, BCPSEA chair was recently quoted in the press as saying that BCPSEA was making its application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and to make the BCTF repay 15% of salary and benefit costs to the employer because it would put pressure on the union to make concessions at the bargaining table.
Do you agree that the only way to reach an agreement is for teachers to accept concessions at the bargaining table?
Teachers may not be doing “administrative” tasks, so the assumption is that they are not working full time. I personally have found this type of thinking to be extremely erroneous! I believe most teachers, when they are not doing some administrative tasks, are not doing “nothing” but rather making sure tomorrow’s lessons are properly prepared and spending more time with the students. I believe that this action by the BCPSEA will only add to the discontent of everyone.
I have never known of an agreement that was reached when only one side makes concessions. BOTH sides need to give a little, however, the way the Government has used its power is ridiculous!
3. Justice Griffin recently ruled that the Liberal government’s action of stripping teachers’ contracts of articles on class size and composition was “unconstitutional and invalid.”
If you are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education and a motion was put forward to respect and restore the bargaining rights of teachers, how would you vote?
IN FAVOUR
4. If elected to the Board of Education and a motion was put forward to ask the provincial government to change its bargaining mandate of net zero in order to reach a negotiated settlement with teachers , how would you vote?
IN FAVOUR
5. Do you support BCPSEA’S application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and make the BCTF pay 15% of salary and benefit costs?
NO
Is there anything else you would like to add ? If so, please indicate this in the space below.
The BCTF should never have chosen this time (Sept.) to ask for wage increases. They knew that the other Government workers all accepted net zero. Why would the Government give the Teachers a wage increase and no one else?
Then again, when is a “good “ time? In another world, far, far away, the teachers could have gone on strike from July 1 to August 30, and the government would have given in to their demands. Whenever there are kids and parents (voters) involved the government tends to react rather than act.
As far as wages and benefits are concerned- how can it be fair that after six years of education a starting teacher earns roughly $60 to $70,000 a year? A railroader works hard also, but you only need a high school diploma, and will earn far more than any BCTF member.
- (a) Do you support full collective bargaining rights for teachers?
YES NO
(b) If you answered YES and are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education, what action would you take to show your support for full collective bargaining?
I was a union member when I was completing my Master of Arts at SFU. I was elected to the executive and for a time I was on the bargaining committee. I fully support the bargaining process for all union members, including government employees. I will speak up in favour of the union members whenever there is an opportunity. I already speak out in favour of teachers (and all government employees) by posting information for the public and pointing out the importance of supporting our unions at all times. I do not believe the government has the right to force striking members back to work and will be available in whatever capacity I can through the process, including support on the picket lines. I have never been in the position of administration for a union and if elected, I will have to review my obligations in that capacity. But know that I support teachers!
- Mel Joy, BCPSEA chair was recently quoted in the press as saying that BCPSEA was making its application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and to make the BCTF repay 15% of salary and benefit costs to the employer because it would put pressure on the union to make concessions at the bargaining table.
Do you agree that the only way to reach an agreement is for teachers to accept concessions at the bargaining table?
YES NO
While collective bargaining can be a process that involves give and take, it is not necessary for teachers to make concessions to achieve a new collective agreement.
- Justice Griffin recently ruled that the Liberal government’s action of stripping teachers’ contracts of articles on class size and composition was “unconstitutional and invalid.” If you are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education and a motion was put forward to respect and restore the bargaining rights of teachers, how would you vote?
IN FAVOUR
One of my key points in running is the issue of classroom size (and especially as related to children who require extra support in the classroom and the pressure this puts on teachers when the class size and composition are compromised). I fully support the teachers’ rights to bargain this point! In fact, I have written numerous letters in the past related to this issue when I lived in Vancouver.
- If elected to the Board of Education and a motion was put forward to ask the provincial government to change its bargaining mandate of net zero in order to reach a negotiated settlement with teachers, how would you vote?
IN FAVOUR
I would vote in favour of ending this net zero mandate. I would support the teachers in this point; however, I am pretty sure the government won’t budge on this issue as they have demonstrated in recent years.
- Do you support BCPSEA’S application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and make the BCTF pay 15% of salary and benefit costs ?
NO
Teachers absolutely have the right to take job actions. I am relieved as a parent that you have not yet had to go on full strike. If the government responded to the teachers’ pressure in an appropriate manner (effective and reasonable bargaining!) then teachers would not be taking this action.
Is there anything else you would like to add? If so, please indicate this in the space below.
I realize that the current government has shown an unreasonable position with regard to bargaining for all unions. I truly want the teachers to have the security of a good well-negotiated contract. I will continue my support of teachers in this process.
***
Elmer Rorstad
I am responding to your request for my position on issues of concern to teachers in the trustee elections. I will respond in a more explanatory form than a simple “yes or no” or, “in favour or opposed”.
Firstly, to explain my general approach to advocacy in my role as a trustee:
I think it is generally more productive for the system as a whole, especially for a small district, to avoid taking public, partisan positions. The best avenue for lobbying the Provincial Government is through the BCSTA which communicates the concerns of all Boards. For example, it recently asked for input of all boards on funding of education and will be going to the government asking for a ‘bigger pie‘ as well as one ‘divided differently‘.
In my role as an individual citizen, I support the candidate or the party that best reflects my values by contributing funds and working during the election campaigns. All citizens have the right and privilege to do that.
In answer to your questions:
Q 1 and 3. In principle, I support the right of workers to bargain their working conditions; and class size and composition is a working condition as well as a learning condition. With Bills 27 and 28, the directive ordered by Justice Griffin was for the BCTF and the Provincial Government to engage in consultations over the period of a year to resolve the issues. I would support the outcome of those consultations.
This issue is not part of the contract negotiations between the BCTF and the BCPSEA.
Q 2 and 5. Ideally, in any bargaining scenario there is pressure on both sides to settle and both sides would make concessions to reach an agreement. In the present essential services job action there is little pressure to settle on the part of the BCTF but a lot of pressure on non-union staff who are taking on such duties. The essential services ruling by the Labour Relations Board originated in 2002 under very different circumstances and it is thought that the LRB might look at how well it is serving now to encourage resolution, and perhaps rebalance the equation. The request for repayment of 15% salary and benefit costs to employers by the BCTF, for normal duties withdrawn, is based on surveys done by the BCTF asking teachers how much of their time is spent doing report cards, meeting with parents, staff meetings and other administrative duties. Individual teachers would continue to receive their regular salaries.
Q 4. I believe a net zero pay increase over two years is not adequate to cover increased living costs for teachers, support staff; or all the other public sector unions who accepted it last year. Bargaining is done in a wider economic and political context but the BCTF may be able to make a case for further gains.
***
Alan Chell
- Do you support full collective bargaining rights for teachers?
Answer: Education has been ruled an essential service and I think that we all realize that society and any political party would not allow for an extended disruption to education as the result of a labour dispute. This has major implications on collective bargaining. During my career in the municipal sector I experienced both a 3 month strike and a 6 month lockout and I couldn’t imagine a labour disruption in education of this length. I do believe the current model of bargaining can work with a 2 tier system between provincial and local bargaining tables and this was proven when a 5 year collective agreement was successfully negotiated in 2006.
- Mel Joy, BCPSEA chair was recently quoted in the press as saying that BCPSEA was making its application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and to make the BCTF repay 15% of salary and benefit costs to the employer because it would put pressure on the union to make concessions at the bargaining table.
Answer: This statement is not correct. Mel Joy did not state that it would put pressure on the union to make concessions at the bargaining table. What she did state is that the BCTF is on strike, the strike is having a negative impact on the education and that given the pressure action the BCTF has chosen, there needs to be a corresponding pressure from the employer to move negotiations forward. BCTF workload documents indicate that the portion of employment responsibilities that the BCTF has stopped performing would be in excess of 20 % of their work week. BCPSEA has chosen to suggest a more conservative figure. Mark Brown, Vice Chair of the Labour Relations Board, has stated that with the BCTF strike there should be a corresponding action from the Employer. Jim Iker, bargaining spokesperson for the BCTF, has stated at the bargaining table that in a labour dispute, both parties should choose actions that they believe will increase pressure on the other party to move negotiations forward. No, I don’t believe the only way to reach an agreement is for teachers to accept concessions at the table.
- Justice Griffin recently ruled that the Liberal government’s action of stripping teachers’ contracts of articles on class size and composition was “unconstitutional and invalid”. If you are elected and a motion was put forward to respect and restore the bargaining rights of teachers, how would you vote?
Answer: The above statement is not complete. What Justice Griffin ruled was that the government was wrong to remove such a significant matter from the Collective Agreement without consultation and that the government has 1 year to remedy the situation. She also stated it is legitimate for the government to have policy goals around class size. The provincial government and the BCTF are currently in a separate process on Bill 28 and consultation and negotiations are taking place. The same process took place in the health sector and the government and health were able to reach a deal. I am hopeful the same result will occur in education
- If elected and a motion was put forward to ask the provincial government to change its bargaining mandate of net zero in order to reach a negotiated settlement with teachers, how would you vote?
Answer: I would vote against the motion because it is an inappropriate one for an employer. The 2 year net zero applies to the broad public service sector and over 2/3 of the public sector has settled within the net zero mandate and it is very clear that the provincial government can not go against the settlement s that were made with the other unions. There are options for improvement that can be explored within the mandate. For example, BCPSEA has tabled a proposal to go to a standardized provincial benefit plan and the result of such a plan would be a significant infusion of new money that would be available to improve the benefits for a majority of teachers as savings would be achieved through volume purchasing and less money spent on benefit plan administration.
- Do you support BCPSEA’s application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and make the BCTF pay 15% of salary and benefit costs?
Answer: Yes. I have been on province wide conference calls on an almost weekly basis where it has been reported by the majority of the school districts that the current strike is having an extremely negative impact on their district in terms of reduced consultation with parents, reduced staff collaboration and reduced administrative work being done due to added supervisory conditions. I have also heard from local teacher presidents that in their view this strike could go on forever. The simple solution, if the BCPSEA application to the Labour Relations Board is approved, would be for the BCTF to cancel the strike and avoid any Employer action that is designed to counter balance the pressure.
Additional comments:
I understand the motivation behind this survey. The easiest thing in the world for any candidate to do would be to give the answers the surveyors want. This action however would contribute to the problem of having politicians with no principles, no understanding of the issues or no acceptance of their responsibilities. I respect that teachers are members of the BCTF and have responsibilities as a result of their union affiliation. I would hope that teachers respect that trustees have employer responsibilities. I am proud to state that I have been a trustee for 27 years and throughout my tenure have been a very strong supporter of teachers and the teaching profession. We are in a very challenging provincial environment right now and I am trying to do my part to find solutions. I do represent the trustees of British Columbia at the provincial bargaining table and to date, we have spent 53 days in face to face bargaining.
***
Mauro Morrone
Thank you for the questions. I will gladly answer all of the following questions, but will not be able to do so in the simple yes/no or in favour/opposed format. I will, however, provide you a written response to all the questions including my rationale. I encourage you to share the survey, in its entirety, to the above mentioned entities. I have already taken the liberty to send it to the aforementioned media directly.
- (a) Do you support full collective bargaining rights for teachers?
YES NO
(b) If you answered YES and are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education, what action would you take to show your support for full collective bargaining?
I support collective bargaining. I belong to, and work with many unions in my professional career. As we speak, we are in day 53 of collective bargaining between BCPSEA and the BCTF. This process started in March 2011 without interference, and sometimes with the assistance of a third party, thus demonstrating the willingness to follow the collective bargaining process. On a local front, the local bargaining which included some trustees, school board administration and members of the Revelstoke Teacher’s Association was completed earlier this year, which, as you know, was mutually respectful. In this province, education is considered an essential service. This can limit some options that are available to non-essential service bargaining agents. It is important to point out that this district has been respectful of the teacher’s current job action and is continuing to provide services to children with the least negative impact possible under the circumstances.
- Mel Joy, BCPSEA chair was recently quoted in the press as saying that BCPSEA was making its application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and to make the BCTF repay 15% of salary and benefit costs to the employer because it would put pressure on the union to make concessions at the bargaining table.
Do you agree that the only way to reach an agreement is for teachers to accept concessions at the bargaining table?
YES NO
In collective bargaining, both parties have options. One party may apply to the LR Board to invoke job action to put pressure on the employer, and the other may apply to the LR Board to put pressure back onto the union with the ultimate goal of coming to a timely resolution. Unfortunately, both parties seem to be further apart, despite negotiating for 53 days. I believe both parties have to go back to the table and re-evaluate their mandates. Our children’s education cannot be allowed to be jeopardized any further.
- Justice Griffin recently ruled that the Liberal government’s action of stripping teachers’ contracts of articles on class size and composition was “unconstitutional and invalid.” If you are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education and a motion was put forward to respect and restore the bargaining rights of teachers, how would you vote?
IN FAVOUR OPPOSED
I am fully aware of Justice Griffin’s recent ruling. Having said that, she stated that the provincial government has one year to remedy the situation. I am confident that if the provincial government and the BCTF work collaboratively, exclusive of any other possible agendas, they will come up with a mutually acceptable solution within that time frame. In the Revelstoke district, I believe we work collaboratively with teachers and the RTA consulting with them in terms of class size and composition, and providing the necessary supports if needed.
- If elected to the Board of Education and a motion was put forward to ask the provincial government to change its bargaining mandate of net zero in order to reach a negotiated settlement with teachers , how would you vote?
IN FAVOUR OPPOSED
I believe every worker, no matter what craft or profession deserves a pay increase. At minimum, this would have to incorporate the cost of living and/or inflation rates. Unfortunately, the Province’s mandate is a net-zero mandate, and all other public employee unions have successfully reached agreements within this mandate. I find this unfortunate, but it is the reality in today’s economic climate. I will, however, continue to advocate to the provincial government through this board and through the British Columbia School Trustees Association for increased funding.
- Do you support BCPSEA’S application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and make the BCTF pay 15% of salary and benefit costs?
YES NO
I believe both parties (employers and employees) have rights when it comes to collective bargaining. Often, one side will make a movement in one direction or another, and the other will counter that with another option. The above mentioned tactic may be one such option. I have not heard of any direct action, only possible suggestions at this point. I do want to make it clear, that although I support the process of bargaining, if it becomes clear that both sides are stagnant (or sometimes even further apart); my priority is with the students’ and parents’ right to an unobstructed education. I believe children and parents have a right to have a report card, as often many parents cannot make it to parent teacher interviews (if offered), thus making report cards an important and valuable gauge of their children’s progress.
***
Annie Wilson
- (a) Do you support full collective bargaining rights for teachers?
YES NO
(b) If you answered YES and are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education, what action would you take to show your support for full collective bargaining
- Mel Joy, BCPSEA chair was recently quoted in the press as saying that BCPSEA was making its application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and to make the BCTF repay 15% of salary and benefit costs to the employer because it would put pressure on the union to make concessions at the bargaining table.
Do you agree that the only way to reach an agreement is for teachers to accept concessions at the bargaining table?
YES NO
- Justice Griffin recently ruled that the Liberal government’s action of stripping teachers’ contracts of articles on class size and composition was “unconstitutional and invalid.”
If you are elected to the Revelstoke Board of Education and a motion was put forward to respect and restore the bargaining rights of teachers, how would you vote?
IN FAVOUR OPPOSED
- If elected to the Board of Education and a motion was put forward to ask the provincial government to change its bargaining mandate of net zero in order to reach a negotiated settlement with teachers , how would you vote?
IN FAVOUR OPPOSED
- Do you support BCPSEA’S application to the Labour Relations Board to order teachers to do report cards and make the BCTF pay 15% of salary and benefit costs ?
YES NO
Is there anything else you would like to add ? If so, please indicate this in the space below.
My name is Annie Wilson and I currently serve as Trustee on the Board of Education for School District #19. I would like to present my views on issues that the Revelstoke Teachers Association feel are important.
- (a) (b) I do support full collective bargaining rights for teachers and any other member of a public service union. I am a member of the BCGEU and fully respect and support the rights of both parties in a collective bargaining dispute to take informed actions to resolve their differences.
- It is my understanding that the education of our children has been legislated an essential service and as such there may be some differences in the collective bargaining framework. I respect the right of both parties to make informed submissions to the Labour Relations Board to seek decisions that clarify their respective positions.
- I have read the summary of the judgement handed down by Justice Griffin and the subsequent second opinion she rendered in October from the application for clarification made by the BCTF. It is my understanding that the government of British Columbia has one year to consult with the BCTF and come to some consensus on the matter. At this point consultation has begun and the province of British Columbia has put $165,000,000 on the table to provide funding to come to some resolution on the mater. As I see it consultation is under way and it is up to both parties to present their informed positions and collaborate to come to a resolution on the matter.
- As I stated in the All Candidates Forum I am a member of the BCGEU, one of a two thirds majority of public service unions that have settled on a two year, net zero mandate. It is my understanding that the same mandate was offered to the BCTF. I respect the right of both parties in this collective bargaining dispute to state their realistic and truthful bargaining position in a respectful manner.
- As a member of a public service union I respect the right of both parties to make applications to the Labour Relations Board seeking decisions that clarify their bargaining positions. This process is to be protected so that either party can seek decisions through out a bargaining process. At this point in the collective bargaining process that BCPSEA and the BCTF have undertaken, there appears to be little resolution to issues brought forward. Given that the education of our children has been legislated an essential service, both parties must be very cognisant that the rights of parents and children have been respected and they have access to all of the information allowed to them by the School Act.
