The union representing faculty at Pearson College in Metchosin says its members voted "overwhelmingly" in favour of job action due to disparity in pay compared to other public and independent schools in B.C.
The Professional Employees Association, which represents staff in education, legal and health-care sectors, says 96 per cent of union members voted to support the action.
“The faculty at Pearson College are vital to the college’s mission and they deserve compensation that reflects their expertise and the rising cost of living. The results of this strike vote demonstrate their resolve to achieve a fair first collective agreement," noted PEA lead negotiator Brett Harper in a news release. “The disparity in pay experienced by our members, exacerbated by the pandemic, must be addressed. We remain committed to returning to the negotiating table, but Pearson College must present an offer that appropriately values its faculty.”
The union says they started representing 26 teachers at the college in June 2023, and in November 2023, they started bargaining for better pay.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the union says talks stalled last week following mediation efforts that failed to address "critical issues" like wages, as Pearson College faculty make less than their counterparts in both public and independent schools.
In an emailed statement, college representatives said they have been made aware that there was a vote authorizing a potential strike and they continue to work on contingency plans if a strike is called after the mediation process has "run its course."
"Our priority is to continue to negotiate in good faith and come up with a solution that supports our faculty and ensures the college's sustainability," noted the statement.
