The Nelson District Teachers' Association (NDTA) teachers are picketing this morning at the approach to the orange bridge as part of the final day of rotating strikes by the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF). Across the province 18 school districts are on strike today.
NDTA President Paul Boscariol said Nelson District teachers are picketing off of the school district properties today to bring a heightened awareness to the strike action. Boscariol said that Salmo schools are picketing along Highway 6 in Salmo; Slocan Valley schools are picketing at the junction of Highways 6 and 3A.
It also means that ancillary school staff, like custodians, educational assistants, and other CUPE members, can attend schools without crossing BCTF picket lines.
The BC Public School Employers' Association (the bargaining agent for BC’s 60 school boards) and the BCTF are expected to continue negotiations at the bargaining table over the weekend. If there is no agreement, a full on strike by the BCTF will see teachers withdraw full services on Tuesday, June 17. The BCTF contract expired in June 2013. On Monday morning all NDTA members will be gathering for a study session as directed by the BCTF.
Students will not be able to attend school other than the arrangements that are made for provincial exams.