The Editor,
Re. "Cooler heads unlikely to prevail in B.C. teachers dispute" (Opinion, The Tri-City News, March 7).
Those who support Bill 22 and attack teachers can't argue beyond the issue of money. Any individual who takes the time to read the bill, however, will understand the harsh and heavy-handed attack on democracy, justice and learning.
The three-day withdrawal of services means I lost three days of wages. You think this is still about money?
Bill 22 should be upsetting to any citizen, not just teachers, who cares an iota about democracy. Bill 22 ignores the Supreme Court of British Columbia's finding that the removal of class size and composition from teacher contracts in Bill 28 was unconstitutional. In addition, Bill 22 repeals this government's own Bill 33 consent/consult process that at least pretended to attend to class size and composition.
I wish I didn't have to defend learning conditions in my collective agreement. I wish I could trust the Ministry of Education to look out for the best interests of students. I have little faith that this government cares about encouraging an environment conducive to learning.
I will assume that those who cry for teachers to "get back to work" do not want students to suffer. That's why I'm defending them.
Those who mock and question teachers' intentions in this dispute should be ashamed that they hold such disdain for education and the individuals to whom they entrust the care of their children.
Minister Abbott promises monetary compensation to teachers for classes over 30. I don't want compensation. Throwing money at me will not help my students learn. Protect learning conditions and keep your money.
Cindy Quach, Coquitlam
