Yesterday, the provincial liberal government introduced Bill 12, The Teachers' Collective Agreement Act, which will impose upon teachers a one year extension of their current contract.

In a letter to the Premier (143K pdf) BCNU President Debra McPherson said,
"Our children's welfare will not be improved by the misuse of teachers and removal of their fundamental rights.... We urge you to learn from some of the damaging actions your government has taken in the past. Take this opportunity to reconsider and act instead in a manner which honours collective bargaining rights and sets a respectful tone for your relations with all of BC's professionals, especially teachers." (Full text available on www.bcnu.org)

BCNU Members can help by taking action now.

Tell the decision-makers in the Legislature and in your community that nurses want negotiation, not legislation for teachers.

Tell your BC Government MLA that you support the teachers in their call for better learning conditions for our children and for the restoration of their bargaining rights to include a fair collective bargaining process, not imposed contracts.