I got up late today as I found inspiration to write passed midnight yesterday. Not any of my current projects of course, but I had to get some things down in order to sleep.Today was the teacher's vote on the bullshit offer put forth by the College Employers Council. Ninety-five percent of the teachers voted and the results were 86% No. With that high of a backlash, the premier has decided to meet with both sides today to see if they can fix the issues. I really hope she listens to the teachers. I know the colleges are a business and some things may not be financially feasible, but the council has been trying to do things that will be illegal in the coming months in terms of Bill 148. At least that's what the teachers have been saying. As I haven't seen the actual contract terms, I can't say with 100% certainty that is what has been happening. I do trust that my teachers aren't trying to fuck me over for a few dollars though.
So I'm still a student that doesn't have classes right now. I hate that I have to put all my hopes in Wynne given her track record, but if she actually gets something done, I might have to thank her for that. I'll tell her the hydro shit still needs to be fixed though.
It's hard to stay hopeful when your future is in the hands of people who while supposedly in the business of ensuring we become professionals can't seem to be professional themselves. There's been a lot of unnecessary shit like the vote today. They were close to a deal months ago and had one item left to negotiate that doesn't even cost money, then they throw a new deal on the table that doesn't resemble anything that was previously negotiated and force teachers to vote?
A lot of time has been wasted and we all just want to get back to school. I don't know when we might find out if Wynne has been helpful at all, but I'm hoping this shit gets fixed now that the government is getting involved in something they never should've had to get involved with.
Quit posturing and actually fucking negotiate please.
It's a no-brainer to me. Yes, the management needs some say in the curriculum to ensure their students are getting what they came to school for, but the faculty who work in the fields know what the industry needs too. Yeah, some faculty might be less in touch than others. That's why neither should be in full control of this piece. If your policy is preventing teachers from ensuring the students are ready for the industry, your school is going to drop in enrolment.
People try to paint this about money. Yeah, there's a money piece. Some of the teachers are getting paid less than minimum wage because of all of the hours they have to prep, mark, meet with students, etc that are unpaid. But that's only one piece and they had come to an agreement on this earlier in the process. The problem may actually be that both sides care more about control than they do about the students.
I'm sad that I have to place all my hopes in Wynne at this time. The conspiracy theorist in me also wonders if this is part of her reelection plan. She can swoop in and save the day ensuring millions of students and parents are happy and likely to keep her in office or whatever Liberal runs next.
I hope whatever news comes, it's real. The amount of bullshit emails we've been sent over the last month and a half is ridiculous. The president felt like she knew some things she clearly didn't. It's as if she thought they'd vote yes...
I guess all I can do is wait and see while doing my projects. I'm going to submit my feature film somewhere regardless of whether or not we get back to class. I don't know what will be next, but life wasn't easy before this either.
I would like to just live pretty soon though.
Guid cheerio the nou,
R!