A high-profile mediator has said he will not be available to help resolve the B.C. teachers dispute.
Rich Overgaard, director of communications for the B.C. Teachers Federation, says Vince Ready says he’s too busy to help the BCTF and government find a solution. No talks were planned for this weekend, though both sides wanted Ready to help. Ready was appointed to issue recommendations on a 14-point plan following the Vancouver port truckers strike which ended in late March.
Overgaard said the BCTF would meet Sunday night to come up with a new plan now that Ready has declined to participate.
Government negotiator Peter Cameronsays it’s doubtful any mediator could help secure a resolution at this stage because the two sides are so far apart.
An exclusive poll for CTV News found that 65 per cent of British Columbians support using binding arbitration to get a deal done.
Teachers will be back on the picket lines Monday.
