Dear Editor:
I cannot support the teachers' demands in the current bargaining dispute. I find it hard to justify providing more money when, according to the British Columbia Teachers' Federation website, teachers receive salaries starting from $43,099 to $82,243 per year for working 199 days per year, as opposed to 260 days most people work, less vacation entitlement.
In addition to those salaries, teachers receive the following benefits all year: a salary indemnity plan, pensions, a health and wellness program, BCTF assistance society (emergency financial assistance), life insurance, group RRSPs, travel insurance, extra maternity and parental leave and standardized provincial extended health benefit plan.
Some members of the public refer to the government and its negotiators as "they or them" as in "the enemy" or some remote group of people, disconnected from our society. The same uninformed people comment that "they" should give the teachers what they demand.
Some members of the public have forgotten that we, the people, elected the government, and expect the government representatives to not spend our money when it is not justified, or where there is no fair return provided, such as increased productivity by the teachers.
There is no mention of that, or a regular evaluation of the teachers to ensure competency and the highest professionalism in the classroom. Why is that?
The union organizers of the BCTF are trying very hard to convince the public that the teachers are doing their picketing, for the children. Really, are we that naïve to believe this? I do not, because it is about more money in the pocket of the teachers!Instead, let's share the very little money that is available and give it to teachers' aides who can make a difference in the classroom and provide a better education for everyone. Isn't that what we all want?
Dave Brewer
North Vancouver
