- Parents will be able to hold BCTF accountable for illegal strike


VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) announced today that it is coordinating a class action suit against the British Columbia Teachers Federation (BCTF).

"Once again, the province is being held hostage by a government union. Over 600,000 students have been shut out of their classrooms, parents are scrambling to find daytime care, and the BCTF continues to flout the law and remain off the job. It's time taxpayers stood up to these unions and their bullying tactics," said Sara MacIntyre, BC director for the CTF.

The BCTF walked off the job on Friday October 7, 2005 and have subsequently defied a back to work order issued by the Labour Relations Board. The BCTF have also been found guilty of contempt of court and have still refused to return to the classroom.



"The BCTF's illegal actions are sending a terrible message to kids--which they purportedly care about---that it's okay to break the rules in order to get what you want. I'd like to see them try to enforce order in their classroom if students followed their example" MacIntyre noted.

"Over 130 collective agreements have been successfully negotiated under the government's wage mandate, but the BCTF expects special treatment. The BCTF are demanding compensation increases in the range of $650 to $750 million a year and are holding students hostage until they get it. Fortunately for parents, they now have an avenue for recourse, they can join the class action suit and make the BCTF pay for the costs they incurred during the illegal strike and send a message to government unions that illegal strike actions have consequences," concluded MacIntyre.

Interested parties can go to our website: www.taxpayer.com and complete the on-line form.

The CTF is engaged in a similar suit against the Hospital Employees Union (HEU). The Supreme Court of British Columbia recently upheld the Labour Relations Board declaration that their strike last spring was in fact illegal, clearing the way for a certification hearing. Patients impacted during the illegal strike are suing for damages from cancelled or delayed medical procedures or surgeries.