It was Premier Bill VanderZalm of the right of centre Socreds that gave teachers the right to strike in 1987. They took him up on the offer with a massive walk-out.

In 1993 the NDP government actually ordered the striking Vancouver and Surrey teachers back to work. They then imposed Provincial bargaining on all teachers, much to the BCTFs dismay.

In 1996 the NDP froze public sector wages, and then later only allowed a contract roll-over.

In 1998 BC NDP Premier Glen Clark reduced class sizes (K3 level) and reduced staffing ratios in return for on call improvements and pay.