Dear Vancouver School Board (VSB) Members:
We are writing to inform you that we have been advised by the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) that they have reached an impasse in negotiations with the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA).
As a result, it is possible that a teacher strike or lockout could occur at some point in the future.
We want to provide the following important information and reassurance to our members:
- CUPE’s negotiations with the BCPSEA are ongoing, and we have NOT reached an impasse.
- Local negotiations between CUPE Local 15 and the Vancouver School Board have been progressing well, and we have NOT reached an impasse.
- In the event of a teacher strike, CUPE members are not to cross picket lines, a right protected under Article 3.G of our collective bargaining agreement.
- The Letter of Agreement (LOA) in Appendix A of the existing collective agreement provides that, in the event of a teacher strike, CUPE members will continue to be paid in accordance with the LOA.
- As has been our custom in past labour disruptions, CUPE will likely make strike pay available to members who complete a minimum of 20 hours of picket duty per week.
- Our Bargaining Committee will be undertaking the necessary preparations to support our members and stand in solidarity with teachers should a labour disruption occur.
We deeply appreciate your cooperation and solidarity. These extraordinary protections, negotiated on your behalf and outlined in Appendix A, exist because of the strength and unity of our membership. Your continued support is both appreciated and necessary.
We are also very mindful of the potential impacts any labour disruption may have on students, their families and caregivers, and especially students with diverse and complex needs. Please know that their well-being is important to us, and these considerations remain at the forefront of our discussions.
We will remain in close communication and will provide updates as more information becomes available. We ask for your patience as the situation continues to evolve. If you have questions, please contact the CUPE Local 15 office at email@cupe15.org or at 604-879-4671 to be connected to a shop steward.
Attached, you will find an update from the K-12 Presidents’ Council for your reference.
In solidarity,
Santino Scardillo
Acting President
CUPE local 15