2 News October 26, 2005 + Over the Edge Volume 12, Issue 4 October 26, 2005 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maggie Gilbert (eit-ote@unbc.ca) MANAGING EDITOR Stephanie Wilson (biz-ote@unbc.ca) PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Belinda Li (prod-ote@unbc.ca) NEWS EDITOR Andrew Kurjata (news-ote@unbc.ca) ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Earson Gibson (arts-ote@unbc.ca) SPORTS AND CLUBS EDITOR Tyler Clarke (sports-ote@unbc.ca) FEATURES AND OPINIONS EDITOR Vacant PHOTO EDITOR Vincent Chan (photo-ote@unbc.ca) AD MANAGER Ashley-Paige Smith (ads-ote@unbc.ca) DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Elizabeth Fyles TECHNICAL ADVISOR Eric Chlebek STAFF WRITERS Becky Carmichael Jeremy Johnson Nathan Kelly Tabatha Lundholm Ray Thibeault CARTOONISTS George Haslon Josh Hammerstedt Ryan Muirhead CONTRIBUTORS Judith Arney Canadian Heritage Gallery Rob Van Adrichem CANADIAN UNIVERSITY PRESS Bryna Hallum Shaun Lyons Michael Sitayeb Imai Welch Over the Edge is the official independent publishing media of students at the University of Northern British Columbia. As such, it is our mandate to report on issues of interest to students in the Northern Region. We encourage all students, both on the main and regional campuses to submit to Over the Edge. Over the Edge is part of the Canadian University Press network of papers, otherwise known as CUP. CUP is an organization that is entirely owned by member papers, and provides such services as a news wire and adver- tising to Over the Edge. OFFICE LOCATION 7-219 MAILING ADDRESS 3333 University Way Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 PHONE (250) 960-5633 FAX (250) 960-5407 E-mail over-the-edge@unbc.ca Putting Everything i into Perspective te a & CANADIAN HERITAGE GALLERY ‘The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 was one of the most famous strikes in the history of Canada. Similar to the current situation in British Columbia, public sector employees marched off their jobs in support of workers in the building and metal trades who were fighting to improve their dreadful working conditions. a more limited job action being taken by teachers and imposed a contract on them. In turn, the B.C. Teacher's Federation (BCTF) invested approxi- mately $875000 into “third party” ad- vertising trying to steer the election re- sults, With this backdrop, the current conflict began, Recent Action in 2005: September 19 - government appoints fact finder to examine education in B.C. In the same week, BCTF votes 88% in favour of strike regarding compensa- tion and working conditions October 3 - Liberals introduce Bill 12, which extends the collective agree- ment (contract) for teachers until the bai cing end of next June. Mortis explains that, under B.C. labour law, strikes are only legal when contracts are up for ds pid tion October 7 - Bill 12 receives royal assent, making it law. The strike con- tinues, making it illegal. October 13 - B.C. Supreme Court rules no union fines but union cannot use any funds for the strike, including strike pay. This means the teacher's on strike are no longer receiving any money October 17 - other unions stage rallies and walkouts in support of the teachers. As of press time, the govern- ment had appointed a special prosecu- tor to see if criminal contempt charges should be laid against the teachers Morris says that, given B.C’s ideo- logically-polarized political culture, it is hard to see either side backing down, He also says that the outcome of the dispute will likely have an effect on the government contracts up for review next spring, With regards to preced- ent being set, either for governments legislating job action or labour unions breaking laws to achieve theit goals; he turns to civil rights philosophy: “In a democracy, citizens have a duty to follow the law. Social order will de- teriorate should each citizen break laws they do not like for their own benefit. If Don't waste our time* *If you don't want to save money. OEMs, recycled, and compatible cartridges. (Always the lowest prices) Inkjet cartridge refills done in minutes. (Save 50-60%) Replacement Laser Toner cartridges. (Save 15-70%) Knowledgeable, courteous staff. We protect your warrantee. PINE CENTRE MALL 563-5123 UNBC STUDENTS GET 10% OFF ANY ONE REFILL! alaw is deemed bya citizen tabe some- how unjust and worthy of breaking, the transgressor should expect to, and vol- “unteer to submit to, any punishment’. In other words, although a law may be deemed to be unjust, those who are attempting to change it should expect to be punished until the law is changed. In turn, the state needs to impose fines and jail times on those who break the law. If this is done, says Morris, “the present illegal strike should set no pre- cedent or tone for further labour con- flict and resolution in B,C.”