Teacher Job Action 2011
BURNABY SCHOOL DISTRICT – INFORMATION UPDATE
Updated November 2, 2011 (See Superintendent's Letter below.)
Superintendent's Letter Regarding Student Reporting
On November 1, 2011, Superintendent Claudio Morelli sent a letter to parents and guardians of Burnaby students to inform them of the process for reporting on students’ progress during teacher job action.
Teachers’ Strike Phase One
The British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) began Phase 1 strike activity on September 6.
This is legal job action that is governed by the British Columbia Labour Relations Board (LRB) and the Labour Relations Act. School districts and the Government of British Columbia are represented in the negotiations by the British Columbia Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA).
Our Goal as a School District
Our goal as a school district during this job action, and always, is to maintain safe, welcoming school environments for all students, staff and families. We are proud that the Burnaby School District is recognized internationally as one of the best performing school districts in British Columbia. We have accomplished this with highly professional staff through collaborative working relationships and we will continue to foster these important relationships.
Details of the Job Action
The LRB has set out a list of activities 
that BCTF members need not perform during Phase 1 of job action. The LRB has also ruled that there will be no picketing in the first phase.
Teaching and learning will continue in our schools during Phase 1 and student safety will remain a priority at all times. Administrative practices will likely change in instances where teachers normally provide services such as collection of fees and issuing lockers. We appreciate students’ and parents’ patience as we do our best to service your needs as efficiently as possible.
Lunch hours will be supervised as usual. Managers and exempt staff will replace teachers to supervise recess breaks. The LRB rules that teachers may continue to participate in extracurricular activities at their discretion. As is a normal practice in all of our schools, volunteers are welcome to share their expertise to support or coach extracurricular activities.
Keeping You Updated
Please check your school or district website for updates on the teacher job action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which activities will continue as normal?
A: Under Phase 1, BCTF members will continue to prepare and plan lessons, and assess, evaluate and mark student work. They will also continue to communicate with administrative officers regarding student health and safety and be available in the event of an emergency or disaster situation.
Q: Will Phase 1 affect extracurricular activities?
A: Teachers may continue to participate in extracurricular activities at their discretion.
Q: Will there be any picketing?
A: There will be no picketing under Phase 1 job action.
Q: Will teachers record and transmit attendance?
A: The Labour Relations Board has ruled teachers are to record and transmit attendance as they normally do.
Q: Will teachers meet with parents regarding special needs students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs)?
A: BCTF members will continue to hold IEP meetings in the usual manner; however, administrators can only attend IEP meetings if they provide direct service to the student under discussion.
Q: What happens if the BCTF wants to escalate job action past Phase 1?
A: In this event, the BCTF will inform the Labour Relations Board (LRB). The LRB will review and determine essential services for the BCTF bargaining unit. Any strike activity that has not been through the essential service designation process should not take place.
Q: Will all field trips happen as usual?
A: Some field experiences may not take place if Principals do not receive field experience plans from teachers that meet curricular, safety, liability and supervision guidelines.
Q: Will teachers participate in school or PAC fundraising?
A: Teachers have chosen not to participate in fundraising during Phase 1 of their job action.
Q: Some Districts have cancelled recess. Will this happen in Burnaby?
A: Currently managers and exempt staff are replacing teachers to supervise recess. At this time, there are no plans to change this arrangement.
Q: Will teachers prepare and deliver report cards for distribution?
A: No they will not prepare and deliver report cards for distribution during Phase 1 of their job action. Parents who have questions regarding their child’s progress should contact their teacher directly.
For more information: