It was busy scene on the Sande Overpass in Terrace this afternoon, as local unions members banded together in support of striking teachers.
Holding signs, waving union flags and handing out leaflets, about 100 people joined together to protest legislation that would lead to mediation in an effort to forge a new contract between teachers and the government.
The legislation would also stop any renewed attempts by teachers to go on strike.
Teachers are now in the second day of a three-day strike in protest of the legislation.
Drivers showed their support by honking at demonstrators as they drove by.
“Teachers are really pleased to know that they have the community's support,” said president of the local teachers' union, Karen Andrews. “And we are all really pleased to have our CUPE colleges here to support us.”
Along with members from the Canadian Union of Public Employers Union were members from the BC Nurses Union (BCNU) and the Canadian Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP).
“I think we are all in the same boat,” said Elaine Pigeau from the BCNU, explaining that both teachers and nurses are asking for more support to do their jobs better.
CUPE 2052 president Wilma Maier says they are there to show support for their union brothers and sisters.
“And we will be standing behind them no matter how long it takes,” she said.
CEP shop steward Francoise Godet said they are there because they believe in collective bargaining.
“And we feel it hasn't happened at this point,” she said.
Godet, who is the constituency assistant for Skeena-Bulkley Valley NDP MP Nathan Cullen, also passed on a message from Cullen which offered his support to teachers, saying he knows this is a “fight worth fighting.”
Schools are set to open again Thursday. Pending the passage of legislation from the government, teachers could be in a position to strike for one day next week.