May 2, 2005
VANCOUVER – Mike de Jong, BC Liberal Candidate in Abbotsford-Mt. Lehman, today released evidence that the BC Teachers’ Federation is using bullying tactics to strong-arm teachers into signing anti-BC Liberal petitions and is effectively colluding with the NDP.
“It’s shocking that union bosses are coercing teachers, colluding with the NDP in the guise of being ‘non-partisan,’ and driving for complete control of the education system,” said de Jong. “It’s wrong to have our schools abused in this way, and teachers are privately telling us that they are offended, intimidated, and afraid to speak out publicly against the BCTF’s pressure tactics.”
De Jong released documents produced by the BCTF that indicate widespread coercion of teachers involving partisan fundraising appeals and highly political letters distributed to teachers via school mailboxes. These include a plan to:
- urge teachers participate in anti-BC Liberal sign campaigns, using BC Federation of Labour “I’ve Had Enough!” lawn signs;
- oblige teachers to distribute partisan propaganda to parents on school property; and
- pressure teachers into supporting election day activities that suggest collusion with the NDP.
“I want teachers to know they don’t have to accept this kind of shocking political activity from the BCTF, and they should not feel pressured into effectively campaigning for the NDP because their union demands them to do things that go against their values,” said de Jong. “I think that Carole James has an obligation to stand up and say that this is wrong, and that she won’t support the BCTF’s demand to eliminate the B.C. College of Teachers and put the BCTF in complete control of the education system.”
De Jong also called for an explanation of what election day information is being shared between the NDP and the BCTF: “Are they sharing voters’ lists? Are they coordinating phone banks? How are they identifying their vote and using that information? Elections BC would be interested in that.”
De Jong said NDP leader Carole James must condemn the BCTF’s bullying tactics – something he doubts will happen given James’ support for NDP fundraising through public school mailboxes.
“Carole James had the chance to stop her candidates from using public schools for partisan political fundraising and she didn’t do it,” said de Jong. “The NDP supports allowing strikes at schools by repealing Education as an Essential Service, and has failed to condemn politicking in public schools – one can only wonder what the school system would be like under the NDP.”
