By Matt Fetinko

No guaranteed deal

Mediation time set for BCTF, BC government

Aug 15, 2019 | 4:39 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A new deal between the BC Teachers’ Federation and BC government would mean stability for Northern BC schools, according to Joanne Hapke, President of the PG District Teachers’ Association. Eight days of mediation are set for August, as negotiations on the collective agreement for unionized teachers and the Province continue.

Discussions have been ongoing throughout 2019 with a focus on class size and composition, the same thing teachers fought for in Canadian Supreme Court a few years ago. Another key issue teachers are fighting for is a higher wage, to make them more on par with Alberta, but it’s not something they are willing to roll back on language for.

There is no guarantee an agreement will be made before classes start next month.