B.C. government attempts to fix broken teacher bargaining process

VANCOUVER – The B.C. government is moving to fix its dysfunctional bargaining relationship with the province’s public school teachers.

Premier Christy Clark announced a review of the process with the goal of making legislative changes next spring, at the same time the teachers’ contract expires.

Clark has appointed Education Minister Don McRae to conduct consultations and review reports with the goal of long-term labour stability and improving the relationship between the union and government.

The premier says she believes changes can be made to make the system better if everyone is willing to co-operate and keep an open mind.

The B.C. Teachers Federation has had a fractious relationship with government for decades and spent most of the last school year in job action before reluctantly agreeing to a new one-year contract.

Clark says she believes the review might result in long-term labour peace that could include contracts that last up to 10 years.