Terrace Teachers’ Strike 1981, Booklet
In 1981, Terrace public school teachers participated in a six-day strike that significantly contributed to the BC teachers’ struggle for full collective bargaining rights, which were not officially achieved until 1987. The strike, considered “illegal” at the time, was prompted by escalating tensions between the Terrace District Teachers’ Association (TDTA) and the local school board.
A key catalyst for the dispute was the transfer and demotion of popular middle school principal Tom Hamakawa, a disciplinary action that TDTA President Wayne Wyatt stated “brought the whole thing to the surface”. Another principal, Roy Greening, experienced similar treatment, further fueling teacher grievances.
Teachers demanded a contract with specific language on hiring, transfer, reporting procedures, and a grievance process. In a show of solidarity, teachers staged a one-day walkout on May 6, followed by an overwhelming vote in favor of a “work-to-rule” campaign. This campaign involved teachers refraining from supervising students during recess and lunch and not donating time for extra-curricular activities. Parents largely supported the teachers, with some even offering to help supervise in schools.
Despite an initial agreement that temporarily averted rotating strikes, tensions persisted as issues concerning the principals’ appeals remained unresolved. When Greening’s demotion was upheld on June 9, the TDTA initiated a six-day strike on June 12. The school board initially refused to bargain, calling the strike “shameful” and “illegal”. However, with the intervention of a professional negotiator, Siedo Tzogoelt, both parties signed an agreement. The settlement included a revised grievance process for the principals, which ultimately led to the restoration of Greening’s and Hamakawa’s positions. Teachers also secured a Personnel Practices agreement. This strike was a “momentous development” in the bargaining rights campaign and inspired other teacher associations across British Columbia.