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1. If there were changes to the split of issues, which issues would you most like to see moved to the local table? (VESTA questionnaire)
In my heart of hearts, all bargaining would be at the local table. Both Vancouver and my own local (Burnaby) had almost 30 years of experience successfully negotiating locally, and the best of our collective agreements include many of those local achievements. My own experiences at the local table amplify that when both parties had the authority (and Boards had the funding decisions), meaningful improvements were achieved for our members and students.
However, since it’s unlikely that this government will eliminate provincial bargaining, the issues most urgent to return to the local table are employment rights (post and fill, hiring, continuing contracts), personnel practices, and professional rights (autonomy, education change). Current legislation is clear that significant monetary items (salary & benefits) must remain at the provincial table. However, with a designated amount of money earmarked for local bargaining, significant updates and improvements to these issues could be made at local tables. These issues are key components of the relationship between teachers and management, and best negotiated and improved at the local table.
2. Within the BCTF, what needs to change structurally to engage more BIPOC and grassroots members.
The BCTF needs to continue to improve and expand its engagement with all members. I am proud to have been one of those on the Executive who initiated the changes to include the two designated seats to deliberately and overtly include more diverse membership there. Similar changes have been made to invite and include BIPOC members and new members to discuss what they need to be more included and involved in their union. That feedback must be heard and acted upon. I see my role as that of supporting and advancing actions and structural changes that our members tell us they need – and to use my experience and understanding of current structures to, if you will, subvert from within, by advancing those changes. It’s my nature to listen, analyze, and find the way to make things work better. And that is what the BCTF and all locals must continue to do.
3. Adult educators have been waiting for basic provisions enjoyed by all other BCTF members like prep time, professional development and workload limits. If improvements are not achieved through the Section 53 process, what commitment can you make that this is addressed in the next round of bargaining?
Fundamental to me is the union principle that our role is to ensure fair treatment for all members. There should be no “some of us with less than the rest”. Adult educators have, for far too long, been a group of our members who are not afforded the working and learning conditions that other members have. As President in Burnaby in the 1990s, adult educators unionized as our members. 30+ years later, it’s beyond time that they and their counterparts across this province achieved parity in our Collective Agreement. I commit to doing all I can to hold the employer to treating all employees with the same respect and renumeration.
4. What does meaningful implementation of UNDRIP look like to you?
As a Métis woman, this issue is one close to my heart.
The UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples represents nation to nation respect, co-governance and self determination, but also dismantling colonial systems and reinvigorating Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and governing. It is the unlearning of colonial oppression and making space for the original, Indigenous wisdoms, languages, and cultures.
In our school system, it means engaging Indigenous families and nations in decision-making. It also means making sure that all educators have the tools they need to support and lift up Indigenous students, and to educate all children on the real history of Canada including the effects of colonialism. UNDRIP means shifting our pedagogy to be more place-conscious, in keeping with Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission tasked all parties in the education system with closing the attainment gap between Indigenous students and non-Indigenous students within one generation. We have 16 years left to accomplish this.
From Previous Years
Q. What would you consider your best accomplishments in the union? - Anonymous
Rae Answers: Well, much of the work I do is part of a team effort, but highlights for me include....
- The way in which Burnaby organized around the strike of 2014--we had strong member involvement, active picketing during the summer, and we worked hard to support member welfare.
- Our strong advocacy for public education at the local level--making sure the members' voices are heard at school board budgeting and in the local media around significant issues concerning teachers.
- Active member of the Joint Mentorship Committee (2011 to present), both planning and leading workshops for Burnaby teachers
- Established a BTA presence in the media through local print, radio, and television interviews (including a televised phone-in debate with a government representative)
- Member of Negotiating Team that achieved contractual improvements including significant salary increase, Maternity Leave pay improvements, improvements to class size and composition, and the guarantee that all parental concerns are referred back to the teacher
- Successfully resolved "bullying principal" issues at a number of Burnaby elementary schools
- Co-creator and primary leader of 5 years of BTA "Rights and Responsibilities" workshops for teachers in their first 5 years of teaching in Burnaby
- Founding member of the BTA "Born to Read" program which, in partnership with Public Health Nurses, provided books for every baby born in Burnaby for 6 years
- As an elected BTA member to the Leave of Absence Committee (currently and for many years), I am always advocating for teachers' compassionate, fair and equitable treatment by the Board
- Chair and member of Status of Women Committee that hosted many popular social justice events including International Women's Day dinners, movie nights, guest speakers, and an annual BTA/CUPE Artisan Fair, all with proceeds going to progressive local community organizations (and all of which continued long after my direct involvement)
- Successfully leading and supporting BTA ProD contacts to regain primary control of the District ProD day from the Board
- Planning and leading workshops for school PAC's and DPAC, school staffs, and at District ProD days on various topics including how parents can support their children's studies, role of Staff Committee, dealing with difficult people, and job interview skills
- Achieving successful grievance outcomes with the Board at all levels of that process from Stage 1 to arbitration at the Labour Relations Board
- Mediating teacher-teacher and teacher-CUPE member conflicts at various worksites throughout the district
- have spent 20+ years in Burnaby schools mentoring students to actively support LGBTQ issues, inclusion and respect for all, and progressive non-governmental agencies including WarChild and Kids Help Phone
Q:What will you do for TTOC's? What issues will you be advocating for?-JW, TOC
Rae Answers: I have great respect for TTOCs and the vital role they have in educating students and supporting contract teachers. It is important that they are included in all communication and conversations with all other BCTF members. I am proud that I played a role in making our TTOC Committee a Standing Committee (with representation on our local Executive). I look forward to continuing to support and advocate for our TTOC colleagues in whatever way they need – while the most recent round of bargaining resulted in some significant gains for TTOCs, there is still much to be achieved. I started my career as a TTOC at a time when my Board did not have to post all vacant jobs, when Burnaby TTOCs had no right to consideration before an 'outside hire', and when TTOCs had no access to benefit plans. While there have been some improvements in those areas, I believe we still have work to do to ensure that TTOCs have all the contractual rights and benefits (and respect) they deserve
And, within the BCTF, TTOCs still do not have full access to member services (including Salary Indemnity and the Health & Wellness Program). We need to revise policies and financial decisions to ensure that our TTOC members have full and equal access to all the supports we provide for members.
Q. Why are you using the Rosie the Riveter image on your materials?-Donna, Burnaby North
Rae Answers: Of course, Rosie the Riveter is an iconic image originating in the 1940s when women took on factory jobs during World War II and so it stands for hard work, feminism, teamwork and community support which are all things I identify with and work towards achieving. More personally, my childhood family nickname was "Rosie" and I spent two summers in the 1980s wearing a very similar work uniform in an aluminum smelter in order to finance my university studies...