Terrace Teachers’ Strike 1981, Video
In 1981, teachers in Terrace, British Columbia, went on a six-day strike, at a time when the right to strike had not yet been achieved. Local teacher associations primarily negotiated wages, with unresolved issues going to binding arbitration; working conditions were not subject to mandatory negotiation.
Tensions escalated in early 1981 between the Terrace District Teachers’ Association (TDTA), representing about 337 teachers, and the nine-member school board. A key catalyst for the strike was the transfer and demotion of a popular middle school principal by the district superintendent. This disciplinary action, along with similar treatment of another principal led to a united front among teachers.
In a show of solidarity, teachers staged a one-day walkout on May 6, 1981, demanding the rescinding of the involuntary transfers and voting in favor of a “work-to-rule” campaign. The TDTA communicated with parents, explaining that teachers would not supervise recess or lunch and would not participate in extracurricular activities. Most parents supported the teachers, with some even offering to help supervise schools.
The dispute gained significant attention, with the Ministry of Education intervening to help resolve the deadlock. An agreement was signed on May 26, ending an eight-day work-to-rule campaign and averting further rotating strikes. This agreement included contract language on personnel practices and a grievance procedure.
Despite the initial agreement, tense relations persisted, especially concerning the principals’ appeals. When Greening’s one demotion and transfer were upheld on June 9, the TDTA initiated a six-day strike starting June 12. The school board deemed the strike “shameful” and “illegal,” refusing to bargain until teachers returned to work. The TDTA demanded the resignation of all school board members.
A professional negotiator hired by the board played a crucial role in bringing both sides to an agreement. After six days, an agreement was signed and ratified, and teachers returned to classrooms on June 22. The resolution included a revised grievance appeal process for the two principals, whose positions were later restored. Teachers also secured a Personnel Practices agreement covering promotions, demotions, and transfers.
The success of the Terrace teachers emboldened other teacher locals across the province, leading to various public relations efforts, political actions, and job actions later that year. The Terrace strike and its settlement were a crucial step for BC teachers in their journey toward gaining full bargaining rights six years later.
This video was created and produced by the BC Labour Heritage Centre in 2017, as part of a project to recognizing the 100-year history of the BC Teachers’ Federation.