It seemed that reality had finally penetrated Premier Christy Clark鈥檚 determination to sign a 10-year contract with sa国际传媒鈥檚 teachers. But then the government spoiled the effect by needlessly poking the teachers with a stick.
On Thursday, Education Minister Peter Fassbender announced the government would seek a six-year, rather than 10-year, contract and would offer a $1,200 bonus if the teachers sign before the end of the school year.
One wonders why it took so long for the government to recognize that its 10-year notion was doomed. The sa国际传媒 Teachers鈥� Federation has long been on the record as opposing the idea. Why would teachers lock themselves into a decade-long deal when few people would hazard a prediction on economic conditions even two years from now?
After government negotiator Peter Cameron and the teachers laboured for almost a year, the province has finally acknowledged what was clear to most British Columbians long ago. The teachers said it looked as if the province was ready to bargain seriously.
Then, on Friday afternoon, the government unveiled the stick to go with the $1,200 carrot. If teachers don鈥檛 sign, their wages will be rolled by back five per cent. If they move to Phase 2 job action, the rollback goes to 10 per cent.
How can the government possibly think this strategy is a good idea?
Any goodwill earned by the six-year offer just flew out the window. sa国际传媒 can expect rough weather ahead.
