Teachers throughout B.C. will be voting on April 17 and 18 as to what further action might be taken in their union’s dispute with the provincial government.
However, students throughout the region, including Abbotsford, are already paying the price for the B.C. Teachers’ Federation’s power struggle.
Teachers in some districts have already decided to withdraw their participation in extracurricular activities.
In Abbotsford, some school sports teams have already dissolved. And for teams that are still running, there is a ripple effect, as they are finding it difficult to schedule games and competition meets with other schools.
Abbotsford-Mission district track meets have been cancelled until further notice, and rugby season is in jeopardy as well.
Should the BCTF convince a majority of the province’s teachers to pull out of all extracurricular activities, the impact will be major.
It will mean the end to all high school sports, drama clubs, many field trips, and possibly even graduation events. For some elite athletes, scholarships could be lost.
It’s not the government that’s being punished by this. It’s the kids. And to call it unfair would be a major understatement.
Some teachers agree, continuing with their volunteer services.
Kudos and thanks to them. Hopefully, there will be many more later this month simply not willing to see their young charges pay the penalty in a union versus government brawl.
The BCTF should be taking its battle with Victoria to the courts, leaving students with a full school experience.
Kids becoming pawns in a labour dispute is just not right.