Delta schools will be shut down by a province-wide teachers' strike next week unless a deal is somehow reached over the weekend.
B.C. Teachers' Federation president Jim Iker announced yesterday that notice has been given for a full-scale strike starting Tuesday. Schools won't be open Monday either as that day as been set as a "study session" by the union.
The study session falls under the rotating strike stage of the BCTF's job action, which has seen schools closed one day a week for the past three weeks. Delta schools were behind picket lines yesterday.
Teachers this week voted 86 per cent in favour of escalating job action as they remain far apart from Victoria on wages and class size and composition.
Education Minister Peter Fassbender said the BCTF leadership needs to come to the table with realistic expectations and a willingness to engage in meaningful bargaining.
Delta Teachers' Association president Paul Steer expressed frustration, noting there's been a lack of any significant movement at the bargaining table.
"Where's the will on the part of all the parties to get this thing done? That's the frustration."
The Delta school board this week called on both sides to work harder to end the dispute.
"We urge both parties to fully commit to the children of this province and achieve a settlement at the bargaining table as quickly as possible to prevent further challenges to the excellent public education offered in British Columbia," stated a letter by chair Laura Dixon.
The province says schools are expected to be open for provincial exams. The Delta school district will provide updates online.
