history: class size limits

The fight for class size and composition limits

Perhaps the most significant working condition for teachers is the number of students we teach in each class, and the complexity of the learning needs of these students. Particularly after integration, when students with learning or developmental disabilities were integrated into the mainstream school system, teachers struggled to meet student needs when budget cuts would mean more and more students per class, often with specific needs requiring teaching adaptations. 

Many teacher unions in BC fought for class size limits during the late 1980's and early 1990's, when teachers were bargaining locally with individual school boards. Victoria teachers won class size limits for the first time in their first locally negotiated contract in 1988. 

After provincial bargaining was legislated in 1995, teachers across BC fought to win maximum class sizes for the whole province. Our 1998 contract included the first provincial language that mandated maximum class sizes in grades K - 3. 

But after only three short years of this win, a new BC Liberal government, elected with a landslide majority in the 2001 election, unilaterally stripped these provisions. Bill 28 removed all language relating to class size and composition from every teacher agreement across the province. 

Outraged, teachers fought back, both on the streets and in the courts. Immediately after the bill was introduced, teachers staged a one day walkout in protest. In Victoria, teachers gathered on the lawns of the legislature, in what was to be the first of many such protests. 

First vice president Debra Swain reported on the events in her bulletin to teachers:

"On January 28, the day after a settlement was imposed, teachers held a Day of Protest. Teachers from around the province met in Victoria on that day to voice their views on the settlement that stripped away clauses achieved through years of negotiated settlements. Among other things, teachers no longer hav ethe right to negotiate class size or ratios for specialist teachers. The impact of these changes is being felt around the province as Boards lay off teachers to meet the new budget guidelines."