We congratulate B.C.'s teachers and the B.C Public School Employers Association for reaching a deal to end the labour dispute. You'll forgive us, however, if we keep the champagne corked.
From here, the whole thing smacks of fruitless trench warfare: A year of brutal fighting in the mud with next to nothing to show for it. Our province's history teachers could tell you more about that.
The government is no doubt pleased it made it through one of the largest union contract negotiations it has faced without having to spend a penny more than it was already. The teachers are glad for modest benefit improvements and retaining some control over professional development and teacher evaluation. Both say they're glad to have a "back to-normal" school year ahead.
But this is a ceasefire, not a peace.
The 2013 provincial election falls halfway between the start of the renegotiation period and the contract's June 30 expiry, and this yearlong dispute solved none of the real issues.
With Christy Clark's Liberals enjoying the same popularity as our June weather, the teachers are probably counting on having a more sympathetic ear at the bargaining table next time around.
If the New Democrats win, it is hardly a guarantee that teachers will get whatever they demand. But it's less likely we'll see a labour dispute, walkouts, court challenges, and emergency bills to end job action as well. We'll have to wait and see.
One year from now, as we start into this again, lets learn from our history and hold off on repeating it.
