Although those of us in the media are generally loathe to agree, there's something to be said for media blackouts. Particularly when tense and complicated negotiations are at stake. It's one of those circumstances in which no news is actually good news.
Reasons for media blackouts are well known in labour circles. By blabbing in public about your position, especially when being asked pointed questions, it's easy to talk yourself into a corner that's difficult to get out of at the bargaining table.
Bargaining thrives on give and take. And also on wiggle room. That's why people like veteran mediator Vince Ready demand blackouts when they're at the table. This week's duelling news conferences by the premier and the teachers' union president amply demonstrate why bargaining in public isn't likely to bring about a happy ending.
Both events appeared mostly about each side firing shots at the other and further entrenching positions. Eventually the public relations battle devolved into a discussion of how many massages should be included in health benefits.
Meanwhile, kids are still out of school. Of the two sides engaged in the recent media skirmish, the province has to take more of the blame. Education Minister Peter Fassbender practically went on tour to sell the government's position and anger teachers.
But the union doesn't come out of this week smelling like roses either. BCTF president Jim Iker appeared to realize that near the end of his event when he said, "Maybe we're in the media too much. Maybe we should be bargaining instead of being out here."
Couldn't have said it better ourselves.
