As some government workers hit the picket lines this week, British Columbia students are heading back to class — putting the spotlight on another potential brewing labour conflict.

The B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) has been bargaining with the province since the spring, and has been without a contract since the end of June.

While there are close to a dozen bargaining dates still to come, the teachers’ union says it’s closely watching the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) strike, and not ruling out job action of its own if talks with the employer break down.

“Job action is always a possibility in a bargaining round. Withholding one’s labour is something that we have a right to do during bargaining. when we reach impasse,” said BCTF president Carole Gordon.

“We’re not there yet,

See Full Page