Anonymous posters spark tension after Vancouver School Board(VSB) wage cuts. Police notified as staff report threats amid backlash from parents and unions.
Amid controversy over wage reductions for school bus drivers, the Vancouver School Board (VSB) is facing growing tensions—including anonymous flyers targeting senior staff with salary claims. VSB Chair Victoria Jung said the situation has now prompted board officials to involve Vancouver Police over what she described as threats and workplace intimidation.
“No one wants to go to work and feel unsafe,” Jung told CTV News, though she declined to provide details about the alleged threats. The flyers, reportedly posted near local schools, name board executives and list their salaries and raises, which Jung says are inaccurate.
Flyers Spark Safety Concerns—But No Formal Investigation Yet
Although Jung described the situation as “serious,” the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said there is no active investigation underway. In a statement, Sgt. Steve Addison confirmed that posters containing staff names and photos had been taken down and that a file had been opened only to document the incident at the request of VSB staff.
Board Transparency and Public Access Under Scrutiny
Former VSB Chair Patti Bacchus called the controversy another sign of declining trust between parents and the board. She criticized the current board’s decision to bar the public from attending in-person standing committee meetings, limiting real-time community input on major decisions.
“It does sound like the relationships between the parent group and the board have really broken down,” Bacchus said, noting the erosion of public engagement.
Living Wage Status Revoked, Staff Pay Slashed
The conflict stems from the board’s decision to revoke its Living Wage Employer designation—ending wage top-ups for outsourced workers. According to Living Wage BC, this change will cut wages by roughly 25% for special needs bus drivers and attendants, dropping pay to $23 and $20 per hour, respectively.
Union Denounces Cuts, Denies Role in Posters
The Operating Engineers Union Local 963, representing affected workers, denied any involvement with the posters but did criticize the board’s decision, noting that wage cuts are hitting the lowest-paid employees while management continues to expand.
“It’s really sad… people at the lowest end of the wage scale are being punished, and those at the top are rewarded,” said union spokesperson Bill Tieleman.
The wage reductions are expected to take effect after the school year ends in June.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for continued coverage of Vancouver’s education, labor, and policy developments.
