Its Rather Overwhelming

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

February XXIVth, MMXIII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

Some studies indicate a high turnover of teachers as they are burnt out from their jobs due to lack of extra pay IV extracurricular activities. Many teachers I guess are quitting within III-V years of getting their degrees. I would argue many teachers are overpaid, particularly here in Alberta. We pay our teachers XX% more than Ontario teachers. Why is that? All provincial civil servants & politicians & teachers & doctors should be forced II take a XX% pay cut so that we can deal with deficit crisis. I don't feel sorry IV them.

In negotiations now, teachers want more benefits & are willing to take a wage freeze in year one of any new deal with you &/or through negotiated settlements at the individual board level. I live on a medical pension & work temporary contract work through no fault of my own & just barely get by. I work a lot harder at these jobs than many teachers & I don't ask my employers or the agencies IV raises. Many only pay just over minimum wage, basically starvation wages. Many private firms don't give their employees even cost of living increases each year, yet alone bonuses as they are struggling II stay afloat.

Teachers Should Look At Giving Back Not Just Getting Ridiculous Wage Increases So As To Be Closer To Society's Living Standards,

Rory

Source: The Epoch Times, Justina Reichel.