BCTF recommends six-year deal

BCTF president Jim Iker

The B.C. Teachers’ Federation executive is recommending its members accept a six-year agreement to settle its labour dispute with the province.

BCTF president Jim Iker said Tuesday the tentative agreement provides for “hundreds of new teachers” as well as raises for regulator and substitute teachers and improved extended health benefits.

The agreement also includes “a mutually agreed process to address any future court decision,” with the government’s appeal of a B.C. Supreme Court decision on class size and teacher staff levels set to go to appeal in October, he said.

Iker said one aspect of the union’s court victory in January is dealt with in the tentative agreement. A lump-sum payment to BCTF members for “retro-grievances” as a result of the changes to working conditions will be made if the deal is ratified.

BCTF members will vote on Thursday on the six-year agreement. With some districts scheduled to have a professional development day on Monday, Iker would only say classes will resume “some time next week.”