Our Student Advocacy Committee is holding an event for international students in Vancouver. Students who are working in Vancouver are invited to come out and share their experience and any concerns they have about working conditions. In group discussions we will talk about students’ work experiences and the laws in BC while enjoying some free food and a beverage. The event is happening on March 15 from 5-7 at the Elephant and Castle, 385 Burrard Street.

ETEA is supporting the BC Federation of Post-Secondary Educators‘ Open the Doors BC campaign to restore funding to post-secondary education through a series of videos and podcasts. In March and April we will be asking teachers, students, and members of the public to share their stories about the importance of education in their lives. We want to hear your story. Contact ETEA to help us make a video or podcast.

As part of the campaign we’re also getting members of the public to sign “Open the Doors” pledge cards in the run-up to the next British Columbia provincial election on May 9th. Please sign a card if you see one on your campus, or if you see us in the street, and don’t forget to vote in May! Be sure to check in for updates on our efforts, to see our videos, and to listen to our podcasts!

This summer was fruitful for ETEA locals achieving Collective Agreements with significant gains. Local 11, Hanson International Academy, achieved their first Collective Agreement after 4 weeks of job action. Their agreement had significant gains, mainly in the areas of preparation time and bonuses for large classes. Local 2, EC, ratified their 3rd contract. They made gains in many areas and achieved pay raises of 4%, 3% and 3% respectively over the next 3 years.

ETEA will be holding a Teacher’s Social on September 23. All teachers are welcome to this event. There will be some pizza provided for hungry teachers who are willing to come out on Friday afternoon! The social is at Goldies Pizza at 605 W. Pender (basement) 4:30-7:00. See you there.

On Labour Day (September 5th), instructors at Hanson International Academy voted to ratify their first Collective Agreement. It was a hard-fought battle by the teachers, who have been working towards this goal for almost 14 months. Due to their efforts, teachers were able make gains in their working conditions, mostly in the areas of preparation time and a differential pay scale based on class sizes.