Why do teachers always fight with elected officials? I think it is very important to share with the public that our district, SD5 Southeast Kootenay, has decided to not pay some teachers for the first day back after the strike. The ending of the strike provided for a single day to prepare for the start of school, which would be paid. This was decided between the provincial union and government negotiation teams. It is fully within the rights of our board to not pay some of us for that day due to a mathematical calculation of how we are paid and the number of teaching days that occur in September. However, there are a number of local school boards who have decided to pay all employees for that day, even though they are not contractually obligated.
If you as a taxpayer have ever wondered why there is such a difficult relationship between teachers and their employer, please ask our school board trustees - who we, as a community, elect - why they would not pay us for that day. I have one answer; they will save a lot of money. It's up to you to decide; do teachers deserve fair pay for the work we do?
David Pasivirta
Fernie, B.C.