Communications, Energy and Paperworkers
Union of Canada  Local 464
c/o BC Teachers' Federation n 100 – 550 West 6th Avenue n Vancouver BC  V5Z 4P2
Telephone 604-871-2283
www.cep464.ca

May 2, 2007

NEWS RELEASE
BC Teachers’ Federation bites the hand of goodwill

The BC Teacher’s Federation, fast becoming recognized in labour circles as Public Enemy Number One, has responded to the latest gesture of goodwill from its administrative staff by locking them out.

“This is an appalling turn of events,” fumed Anita Chapman, President of Local 464 of the Communication, Energy, and Paperworkers’ Union (CEP) which represents the administrative staff.  “We suspended our picket action as a show of good faith, as soon as the BCTF withdrew its injunction application at the Labour Relations Board (LRB) and cancelled its annual general meeting.  Within hours of the CEP decision to return to the workplace, the BCTF locked us out.  Jinny Sims and her executive are out of control.”

Chapman says the BCTF bargaining tactics have reached a new low.  “While we were taking action that we hoped would kick-start negotiations, the BCTF was taking action that will be even more abhorrent to the trade union movement than its earlier attempt to have the LRB sanction an attempt to remove workers’ right to picket.” 

Chapman points out, “For any employer to embark on such a union-busting course of action is unthinkable and unwarranted.  But for a union employer to do so, is absolutely unconscionable.”

The CEP has worked tirelessly throughout this dispute to find a resolution by suggesting binding arbitration, which the BCTF rejected.  The CEP initiated attempts at mediation, which were also unsuccessful.  “We call on the BCTF to come to its senses,” says Chapman.  “Frankly, we have tried everything to find either a negotiated or an imposed settlement.  Nothing has worked.  Now our latest attempt to rekindle the bargaining process has been met with this slap in the face.”

Chapman also notes that the lockout will affect more than 100 innocent victims, the support staff employed by the BCTF who are members of the Teachers’ Federation Employees’ Union.