GIBRALTAR AWARD PAGE A5
Friday, June 13, 2014
a family that gives PAGE A11
VOL. 100 NO. 82
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RIDING THE WAVES PAGE A17
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Full-scale strike issued AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter The BC Teachers’ Federation has served notice to escalate job action on Tuesday, June 17 to a full withdrawal of services. “This was a very difficult decision,” Quesnel and District Teachers’ Association president Lisa Kishkan said, adding teachers will not be on site Monday as well due to an all-day study session. The decision to issue 72-hour notice followed teachers voting 86 per cent in favour of full strike action, the highest teacher voter turnout ever. The result of the vote, conducted Monday and Tuesday, was 86 per cent in favour, or 28,809 out of 33,387 ballots cast. However they did not move to issue the 72hour strike notice – until Thursday morning. “This week’s vote made it clear that BC teachers care deeply about the state of public education and their ability to meet the needs of all their students,” BCTF president Jim Iker said following the announcement Thursday morning. “As well, it showed how firmly teachers are committed to doing what’s necessary to reach a fair deal.” Iker said the BCTF has provided the employer with notice that the full withdrawal of services will commence on Tuesday, June 17. In addition, the BCTF has provided notice that Stage 2 job action will be extended to Monday, June 16, with all teachers participating in study sessions province-wide. Teachers will gather together off school property. Schools will not be picketed, but teachers will not be on site. Kishkan said the entire weekend will be dedicated to the bargaining table in hopes “we come to an agreement to avoid a walk out.” “This [decision] was difficult, but we absolutely believe this is what we have to do for students. Because that’s what it comes down to: what’s right for education.” The Labour Relations Board has ruled that provincial exams are an essential service and will take place as scheduled. Students will be provided with a picket-free entrance prior to the beginning and following the completion of the Grades 10, 11, and 12 provincial exams.
The future is bright UNBC/CNC held graduation ceremonies last week in celebration of graduates from the bachelor of science in nursing program. For more photos see PAGE A3.
Whitney Griffiths photo
Happy
Father’s Day
- June 15, 2014 -
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