Teachers took to the streets on Monday for the second day of strike action in Richmond as negotiations between the BC Teachers' Federation and the provincial government continue to bear no fruit. But it's a walkout event on Wednesday that may turn even more heads.
On Wednesday, some students in the city are planning to temporarily walk out of classes at 9 a.m. as a protest to the impasse between teachers and the government.
Wednesday is the only day this week that won't be affected by province-wide rotating strikes that have seen increasing support from labour unions.
A Facebook event page organized by a Surrey student had over 11,000 supporters as of Monday. The student protest is said to not be siding with one side or another.
"Each side claims to be 'fighting for the students' yet each side fails to show how they are doing so," stated the event page.
Palmer secondary Grade 9 student Kane Li is one of about 10 organizers at his school that is hoping to organize a walkout here in Richmond.
"Students are caught in between, which doesn't seem fair because provincial exams and summer schools may be affected," said Li on Monday.
"A lot of kids in my incentive class want to go to summer school and (take classes)," he added.
On Monday, Palmer's principal Richard Stewart said he would not support or accept any walkouts at the school.
"We would have to deal with it accordingly. …But it would be conjecture at this point," said Stewart, having not learned first-hand of any such plans.
Li said he and others would be informing the administration on Tuesday.
Presently the provincial government is threatening full days of lockouts near the end of the month, during the provincial exam period. To date, teachers are partially locked out by the government after the BCTF limited teachers' before and after school work hours as well as communication with administrators last month. Now, teachers are not allowed on school property during recess and lunch times, as well as 45 minutes before and after class times. As a result, the government has been deducting 10 per cent of their wages as well.
Photos: Striking Richmond teachers
The lockout stipulations have resulted in peculiar scenes at schools as teachers exit the building after being asked to leave by administrators.
Meanwhile, the strike and lockout actions have resulted in at least one known event cancellation.
Due to uncertainties, a luncheon for the Immersed in the Arts - Reach to Teach program has been nixed, according to treasurer Margaret Stephens of the Community Arts Council of Richmond.
"We just can't take the chance, money is too tight and not very plentiful," Stephens told the News via email.
The luncheon was scheduled for June 12 and costs up to $3,500 to hold, according to Stephens.
The strikes and lockouts also has parents having to adjust their routines and find alternative arrangements for childcare.
Byron Stevens, past president of the Richmond District Parents Association, said he believes parents are likely split on who to side with.
"I think it's a little bit split on whether they support the teachers or government… It's a difficult question," he said.
Stevens also said he believed most parents would agree class size and composition is something that needs to be addressed.
"In terms of class size we need a change on that. And teachers need the support to do the job properly," said Stevens.
The provincial government has twice been told by B.C. Supreme Court that it illegally took away the right to negotiate class size and composition from the teachers' union over a decade ago. It is currently appealing the last decision.
Teachers want more educational assistants as well as smaller class sizes. They are also asking for a wage increase of 13.7 per cent over four years whereas the government is offering 7.3 per cent over six years.
@WestcoastWood
