The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) members throughout British Columbia are standing behind members of the BC Teachers’ Federation in the wake of the Liberal government’s introduction of Bill 12, the Teachers’ Collective Agreement Act, which legislates teachers back to work without addressing any of the BCTF’s bargaining issues.
The legislation has serious implications for all public sector workers in the province, said CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill, speaking from the CUPE national convention in Winnipeg.
CUPE BC delegates and staff at the CUPE national convention were strong in their condemnation of the Campbell Liberals and indicated strong support for the BCTF in whatever action it takes in response to this legislation.
“Despite the tone of mutuality implied by the name of this act, this legislation will in fact have a dramatic effect on collective bargaining for all workers in the K-to-12 sector and beyond,” said O’Neill. “We are currently in communication with both the BC Teachers’ Federation and the BC Federation of Labour on what further course of action must be taken.”
CUPE members are urged to check the CUPE BC website regularly for updates.
