Local teachers and support workers hit the picket lines outside School District 19 facilities bright and early on Tuesday morning wondering if their fight with the provincial government would be supported by the public.
“W’ve had people honking and waving in support,” said teacher-on-call Janette Vickers, who was walking the line at SD 19’s vehicle barn by Downie Timber.
It was much the same at other strike locations: people stopping to wish the picketers well and even a young girl riding by with her own gesture of support.
The teachers and support staff are back at work as usual on Wednesday, May 28. However, the rotating strikes continue elsewhere in the province until the end of the week.
The BC Teachers’ Federation says more strike action could lie in the future if the government continues its refusal to discuss class size and class composition at the bargaining table.
While we wait to hear what will happen in the future here are some photos from the teachers’ front lines:
Local teachers were out on strike on Tuesday, May 27. These three shared a moment with Downie Timber’s Alan Smythe who good-naturedly suggested they might be able to find work at the mill if the teachers’ union negotiations with the provincial government don’t work out. David F. Rooney photoCUPE member Sonia Cinelli was one of the many Canadian Union of Public Employees members who walked the picket lines in support of the teachers. David F. Rooney photoA mom with child in tow stops to wish striking teachers well at the entrance fo Begbie View Elementary School. David F. Rooney photoYoung Lia Morrow cycled up to the picket line at Begbie View Elementary School to present teachers with this heart-felt token of her support. Amanda Adam photoTeachers and CUPE members at Columbia Park Elementary not only walked the picket line on Tuesday but they took a few moments to wish teacher Tracey Hill (second from the left) a happy birthday. Picketing on your birthday? Now that’s dedication! Cheers, Tracey. David F. Rooney photoCUPE member Tara Reed walks the line outside Arrow Heights Elementary. David F. Rooney photo
