Richmond - The Editor, The BC Teachers' Federation's (BCTF) strike is now spreading like wildfire. With the government's lockout and the decision to cut teachers' pay by 10 per cent during the rotating strike being ruled legal, the situation does not seem to have an end any time soon. With the potential for tensions to worsen, I cannot express enough how critical it is for this entire mess to be sorted out, and fast.As a recent high school graduate, I know how harmful job action is for students of all ages. It takes away students' ability to seek help with homework or personal issues, and it impacts students mentally, physically, and emotionally. After-school activities are forced to stop, and many students are left feeling frustrated with concepts they didn't understand in class. I know because I've felt the consequences of job action and strikes firsthand when I attended a high school. It all builds up to incredibly negative feelings and stagnant learning.I urge the provincial government and the BCTF to compromise and hear each other out. If they cannot do that, then please, bring in a mediator. At least they would be able to represent both sides fairly. The education system should be designed for learning, not a political battleground.Zaynah KhanRichmond
