The British Columbia Teachers` Federation (BCTF) has recently reached a tentative agreement with the British Columbia Public School Employers` Association (BCPSEA) after months of negotiations. The agreement is still subject to ratification by both parties, with the BCTF expected to vote on it in the coming weeks.
The agreement includes several significant changes for teachers in the province. One of the biggest changes is a new salary grid that will see teachers receive a total salary increase of 6.0% over the life of the agreement, which is set to expire in June 2022. In addition to the salary increase, the agreement also includes improvements to benefits, such as extended health and dental coverage, as well as an increased professional development fund.
Another key aspect of the agreement is a new framework for classroom composition and size. This framework aims to address the issue of overcrowded classrooms and ensure that students receive the appropriate level of support they need to succeed. The framework includes a cap on the number of special needs students in a classroom and increased staffing levels for schools with high-needs populations.
The BCTF was also successful in negotiating improvements to job security for teachers. The agreement includes language that will provide greater job security for teachers who have been on the job for a certain number of years, as well as provisions that will make it easier for teachers to move between districts and schools.
Overall, the tentative agreement between the BCTF and BCPSEA represents a significant win for teachers in British Columbia. The agreement addresses key issues such as salary, benefits, classroom composition, and job security, and will help to ensure that teachers are able to provide the best possible education to their students. While the agreement still needs to be ratified by both parties, it is a positive step forward for the education system in British Columbia.
