"War of words heats up." It's a headline that can be found in any newspaper at the outset of labour negotiations. This oft-used phrase also applies to dialogue between nations, seemingly part of their negotiation strategy.
In labour disputes, so often one of the grieved parties runs off to a news conference to explain their side of the issue, hoping to garner public support.
I have a background of some 20 years in the dispute resolution field and I question the value of these tiresome tactics. Attack ads fill prime time TV at great expense but to what end? Ads and press conferences generated by the government or unions representing teachers and nurses attempt to curry public favour.
It matters little who initiates the process, provincial ministries or the unions. It doesn't seem to matter which provincial party has governance responsibility, the NDP periodically or the B.C. Liberals, the proverbial union whipping post.
These unions put the patient and the student out front of their "principled" outrage. Let's be clear: It's always about the money, whether it's class size, benefits, signing bonuses or annual increases.
I also want to make clear that my family has a long history in the education field and teachers deserve to be dealt with fairly at the bargaining table. We've all had need for health care and the first line of service is generally a wellqualified nurse, for which we are thankful.
What I question is the value of tactics of confrontation elicited through the media leading up to and during negotiations. It appears the ramp up of public discourse is to sway public opinion affecting voting trends at election time.
The labour movement has ties to the NDP, but both provincial parties have a balanced approach when it comes to health and education, the two largest ministries. And why is that? As stated by many, including you and me, as taxpayers we are the "purse" paying for these services. Tax and debt bring down governments and an increase in corporate tax affects employment.
In the 27 years since teachers were granted the right to strike by legislation of the Social Credit government, there have been in excess of 50 strikes (albeit mini in nature), three lockouts, three "legislated" contracts and two - only two - negotiated contracts.
If any parallels can be drawn, a Crown corporation I am familiar with has had two strikes in 40 years.
It's no coincidence teachers are escalating rotating strikes and cutting back services approaching the end of the school term and provincial exam time. Students and parents become a pawn in the process. The lack of trust is rampant on both sides. Negotiations should occur under the principles of privacy and confidentiality. Bargaining should be free of time constraints. Ultimatums given on large issues with a short window of opportunity are tactics time tested to fail.
There are some very good labour practitioners when meeting under terms of binding agreement who could reach an agreement without all the rhetoric and expense generated in the public forum. We need stability and affordability in the delivery of health and educational services.
Teachers, nurses and the taxpayer deserve nothing less.
And a good night to you, Denise.
