Teachers fairly compensated

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Maple Ridge News

• Time for truths about teachers

Editor, The News:

Re: Teachers start strike on Monday (The News, March 2).

It is amazing how polarizing this issue is and how it seems people have to be either on one side or the other.

That is precisely the problem, that neither side is willing to budge; the teachers want a raise and to increase funding and the government says there’s no money for anything.

The only way a fair deal is going to get done is if both sides, or at least one, learn how to compromise.

When I mention to friends who are teachers that I think teachers’ salaries are fair, it quickly turns into a debate on how hard teachers work, the lack of support funding, and the overall peril of the education system.   I am assumed to be pro-government and anti-teacher just because I think teachers are currently fairly compensated.

I agree that the system needs significant changes and agree with teachers on most issues.  And, I support the strike on those fronts.

But they are fairly paid – $37,900 to $56,700 with 13  prime weeks off is the equivalent of $46,600 to $69,800 with a still generous four weeks off.  And they get benefits like pension and paid sick days.

Not great money, and definitely not over-paid, but given the economy, not to mention the me-too clauses, it is fair.

Another thing they say, ‘It’s not about the money, it’s about the kids.’

Well, it’s time to put that into action. How about taking the raise and the ridiculous additional paid time-off demands off the negotiation table and ask only for the things that really matter to the kids: class-size, support staff and the like.

The government would be way more likely to listen and if not, virtually all in the public would support your cause.

The same mindset needs to be applied to the government’s position, as well.  To say there’s no money left for education, and at the same time find funding for things like B.C. Place, the Olympics, intergovernment gift-giving programs and, undoubtedly, the next big unnecessary thing that comes up, is absurd and insulting to the intelligence of the public.

Why not come up with a proposal that appeases the teachers demands for the betterment of the education system, but not for their personal demands of salary, time-off.  The teachers would be much more likely to accept that and, if not, it would show they are clearly out for their own gain and not for the kids.

I am a registered voter who actually votes, pays property taxes, (of which a nice chunk goes to the school system) and a father of three kids, one currently in Grade 5 and the other two entering the school system soon. So, clearly, I am well invested in this issue.

It pains me to see the childish side-taking going on and the unwillingness of both sides to come up with a compromise.

Only when both sides, or at least one, are willing to compromise will a deal get done.

Aaron Liva

Pitt Meadows

Wage wise

Editor, The News:

Re: Teachers start strike on Monday (The News, March 2).

For many years I, a retired teacher, did not respect the B.C. Teachers’ Federation during its time when I was a worker. I felt I was dealing with a self-serving organization and a condition of employment.

I have since revised my opinion. Those who are in private industry have much to be thankful for because of the BCTF. If they did not have it and other organizations fighting against bullying tactics, where would they be wage wise?

Barry Bentley

Maple Ridge