Dear editor,The teachers' action and rallies were well attended in Campbell River, Courtenay and many other smaller communities on the North Island.People understand that Bill 22 is an attack on collective bargaining rights and the rights of workers. Parents know that our public education system is underfunded and struggling to maintain services to our children.The fight for free, collective bargaining and proper funding for education is far from over. As students and teachers go off on spring break and the debate continues in the legislature, there will no doubt be another round. On the heels of this dispute comes the potential for many more; HEU, HSA, BCGEU, CUPE, BCNU and others are all at some point in the bargaining process. Public services have taken a back seat to many pet projects of the Liberal government, ignoring the need to enhance and properly fund services that directly impact the well-being of people.An outright disrespect for the professionals and paraprofessionals in these fields is unacceptable from our elected government officials. If we are to maintain the rights, freedoms and public services our grandparents and great grandparents fought for such as joining a union, collective bargaining, social services, employment insurance, occupational health and safety, education and health care, we need to hold our MLAs accountable. Union jobs mean good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. I urge you to write letters, attend meetings and support the union locals in our communities as they fight for fair and equitable contracts and proper funding for education, health care and social services. Andrea CraddockEditor's note: Andrea Craddock is the president of the Campbell River, Courtenay and District Labour Council.
