Bargaining between CEP and BCTF resumed today, Sunday, May 27, 2007.
The BCTF office has been closed for a month. For a history of the dispute, check the CEP web page at www.cep464.ca.
Ever since April 26, TFEU members have been expressing solidarity by joining CEP co-workers on the picket line. The response from our members has been overwhelming. Although many of us are facing serious financial difficulty, we remain strong as a union. We are doing what we can to help each other.
Keeping in touch
If you would like to keep in touch, there are several ways you
can do this.
CEP continued bargaining yesterday. They made a proposal for a binding mediation/arbitration process. This was rejected by BCTF. CEP will hold a membership meeting Monday.
We need more TFEU members on the line for Monday afternoon, to cover the CEP membership meeting, from 2:30 to 6:00. If you can come for any part of that time, that would be great.
Tomorrow (Sunday) is the marathon, and there will be pickets and flags at the BCTF building to support Murray and George who are running, and show the marathon support for CEP. TFEU members are welcome.
There have been lots of supporters from other unions, and lots and lots of food on the picket line. Friday was particularly delicious!
We have had many more expressions of thanks from our CEP sisters and brothers. It is important to all of us that we keep the lines strong and our spirits up. If anyone needs help with anything, please let us know.
CEP and BCTF are still at the table. No report yet but TFEU members are urged to check for messages frequently.
There were lots of TFEU members at our membership meeting this morning. Most people picked up their strike pay and signed up for a shift tomorrow or next week. We are still short of people for tomorrow particularly. If you could make it for 6:00 - 9:00, 12:00- 3:00 or 3:00-6:00, please e-mail Jean at alengler@shaw.ca - thanks!
The meeting decided to meet each Thursday morning, and hand out strike pay cheques at that time each week.
An information sheet for TFEU pickets is being worked on and should be distributed tomorrow or next week.
On other TFEU business, we need to start planning our Annual General Meeting. Would anyone volunteer to be on the nominating committee? If so, please e-mail Jean (alengler@shaw.ca). If anyone has ideas for by-law amendments, they should be working on them now so notice can be given to all members.
The TFEU bargaining committee will be meeting soon and reporting back to members.
Aside from rain, wind and cold, it was a good day on the picket line - lots of supporters mostly from other CEP locals, and huge new signs saying "Locked out by BCTF."
Things have been changing rapidly, and TFEU members are urged to check e-mail and the union office phone frequently (just call 604 871-2123).
Last night the word was that following the employer's withdrawal of their LRB injunction application, CEP decided to take down picket lines as a gesture of good faith, and go back to work. They called on BCTF to get back to the bargaining table.
TFEU members who had heard that we should report to work arrived at the building to find that the employer had locked out CEP and pickets were back up.
The good news now is that CEP and BCTF are back at the bargaining table as of 4:00 this afternoon. We will keep you posted.
Good News from the Labour Relations Board
The employer has withdrawn their injunction application to the
Labour Relations Board. They had been asking the Board to order
CEP not to picket the BCTF AGM. This could have set a bad precedent
that could have been used against teachers and trade unions
generally across BC. It is very good news indeed that this application
has been withdrawn. See CEP web page cep464.ca
for more information. Note that TFEU members will not be working
at the AGM unless the CEP strike is settled, regardless of whether
there are actual pickets or not.
Strike Pay
All TFEU members who are picketing or performing other strike
support work are entitled to strike pay. Part-time employees
and casuals get prorated strike pay. Those who complete their
strike pay application forms before noon tomorrow should receive
cheques on Thursday.
Financial Problems
Landlords, credit unions, utility companies, etc. will often
allow for delays in payments where people are on strike or picketed
out. A letter from TFEU explaining the situation will be available
for members who need it to give to creditors.
Happy May Day (International Workers' Day) to all!
Picket line pictures, courtesy of Joel Siverson, are now online.
Day 1 on the picket line went well. There was a good turn-out and good media coverage. CEP leafletted the presidents' meeting today (Day 2). Check the CEP web page at cep464.ca for more information.
Reminder: strike pay application forms are available to be picked up at the picket line. Please keep track of your picket times or other strike support activities and turn the form in next week. If forms are turned in before noon on Wednesday, strike pay cheques should be available Thursday. If the forms are turned in later you may get your cheque later. Note that strike pay depends on doing something in support of the strike. There is no set minimum time.
Call the TFEU office to get updates (604-871-2123).
Reminder: all BCTF work is picketed. If you are asked to do any BCTF work, please call Jean at 604 251-2826.
Thanks, folks. See you on the picket line.
