Fall RA Local Resolutions

CCD22-0038

Local Resolutions to the Fall Representative Assembly November 4–5, 2022 1. Kamloops Thompson That Representative Assembly Standing Rule 7.2.i be amended as follows: 7.2.i—Subsidiary motions (A subsidiary motion is intended to assist a meeting in treating or disposing of a main motion.) No subsidiary motion, other than an amendment, shall be in order until after the chair is satisfied that an opportunity has been given to at least three (3) speakers to present the affirmative and at least three (3) speakers to present the negative points of view.

Supporting statement Currently, as Robert’s Rules indicate in 7.2.i of the Member’s Guide, the Chairperson can decide when they are “satisfied that an opportunity has been given” to present both sides of an argument and accept a subsidiary motion. At the last few meetings, this has often been used for tabling and referring motions, in which the Chairperson has ruled that the mover of the motion and one speaker on the other side has presented a sufficient argument for both sides without varying the speaking order. This has the effect

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of stifling debate and thereby members’ voices. It has been discussed in the recent past that Robert’s Rules of Order, as they currently stand, are oppressive and advice has been given to the Executive Committee from various ad hoc and standing committees that the process needs to be overhauled. Until that process has been reviewed and a new option presented, there needs to be accountability that voices are heard, and debate is not stifled. The intent of this motion is to allow voices to be heard, and when there are no speakers to one side or the other (after varying the speaker’s order), then the subsidiary motion could be accepted.

Page 178—“7.2.i—Subsidiary motions (A subsidiary motion is intended to assist a meeting in treating or disposing of a main motion.) No subsidiary motion, other than an amendment, shall be in order until after the chair is satisfied that an opportunity has been given to present the affirmative and negative points of view.” Page 169– 170—The seven subsidiary motions are: 1. Postpone indefinitely, 2.

BC TEACHERS’ FEDERATION 100 - 550 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Canada V5Z 4P2 · 604-871-2283

Amend, 3. Refer, 4. Postpone to a certain time, 5. Limit or extend limits of debate, 6. Previous question, 7.

Table.”

members from participating in union activities. Some examples include facilitating workshops, attending annual general meetings, representative assemblies, and zone meetings. One possible option could be to create a form letter excusing members from requiring paying a deposit when carrying out union business and could be available from the BCTF portal page to download when needed. This would eliminate the embarrassment of having to disclose your socioeconomic status, as well as provide reassurance that this will not be a barrier. Should any fees be incurred by the member, then that liability would be recovered by the member either via the reimbursement form or by paying in full directly, as per the Members’ Guide.

2. Kamloops Thompson That the Federation create a policy, in partnership with hotels, to ensure that deposits are waived, when requested, when carrying out BCTF work.

Supporting statement Hotels require a deposit when checking into a room. This deposit ranges anywhere from $50 to $500 depending on whether one has a credit card. This is a barrier to members who may not have credit or cash available to provide this deposit which results in an infringement on equity and inclusion. Poverty is a reality for some of our teachers and the union should provide a safe environment in which all members feel supported in carrying out the work of the BCTF. Not having the funds to provide a deposit results in members being unable to fully participate in union activities. The BCTF is an inclusive union, so consideration should also be made for persons of faith who do not subscribe to credit cards. The process of needing a deposit on credit can be a barrier to those

3. Kamloops Thompson That the Federation advocate for inservice training when any new reporting standards are implemented.

Supporting statement The BC Ministry of Education is currently revising its reporting guidelines which are scheduled to be implemented in September 2023. While some districts have elected to participate in pilot groups, and some teachers have begun

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BC TEACHERS’ FEDERATION 100 - 550 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Canada V5Z 4P2 · 604-871-2283

trialling the new guidelines on their own, there has been no provincewide process for educating and supporting teachers with the implementation of the new guidelines. This means that many teachers will be asked to navigate an entirely new way of teaching on their own time, taking even more time away from the work of supporting the students that we work with each day. These new guidelines are of particular concern to secondary teachers, who are being asked to change their assessment practices (which will also require pedagogical changes).

The Ministry’s expectation that, for each reporting period, teachers will create assessment criteria, plan activities that allow students to learn and practice, assess 104–124 (or more, depending on the local language) individuals on their performance for each competency and content knowledge, and then communicate in parent-friendly language will significantly increase our workload. If teachers are being asked to implement new standards, we deserve to be provided with paid time to learn how to effectively do so. Even one or two in-service days would provide teachers with the opportunity to learn the rationale for the changes, discuss what has worked for other

colleagues who have already begun the transition, and begin planning how we can meet the new standards.

4. Coquitlam That the Federation develop and promote a new Climate Justice 101 workshop that presents an introduction to climate science, an analysis of real versus false climate solutions, an explanation of why current climate policies are inadequate, and an understanding of how the climate crisis exacerbates racial, gender, and class inequalities.

Supporting statement We are all aware that we are in a climate crisis. As a social justice union, now is the time to create a workshop that would educate members on the issues listed in the motion as related to the climate emergency.

5. Kootenay Columbia That the Federation provide a permanent option for its members to attend all governance and zone meetings in-person or remotely (hybrid model) to promote openness, ease of engagement, access, transparency to members and to accommodate the medical

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BC TEACHERS’ FEDERATION 100 - 550 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Canada V5Z 4P2 · 604-871-2283

issues and health and safety concerns of delegates who cannot attend in-person meetings.

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Supporting statement Hybrid meeting attendance model options have been provided by progressive organizations to its members pre-pandemic and continue to be provided now that in-person meetings are being held post-pandemic. We are providing this option in our local for the following reasons and would like to see our provincial body do the same: • provides members with ease of access to meetings • promotes member engagement • provides transparency to members • accommodates members with medical, family responsibility,

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childcare/eldercare, and other issues reduces carbon impact on the environment eliminates winter travel nightmares provides a proactive option in the event of the occurrence of future pandemics aligns with best practice adopted by progressive organizations.

We are respectfully requesting that our Federation provide our members with a permanent hybrid meeting attendance option for all the above reasons.

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BC TEACHERS’ FEDERATION 100 - 550 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Canada V5Z 4P2 · 604-871-2283