Teachers in Saskatchewan Resume Job Action Amid Collective Bargaining

Teachers in Saskatchewan Resume Job Action Amid Collective Bargaining

Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) members have resumed their job action as the 2023-24 school year approaches its end. The decision comes after ongoing negotiations between the federation and the provincial government over a new collective bargaining agreement have reached an impasse. The teachers’ job action began on April 1, 2023, and involved withdrawing from all extracurricular activities and volunteer work. The job action also included a ban on the submission of marks and reports, which has since been lifted. The STF has been seeking a wage increase and improvements to working conditions, including a reduction in class sizes and increased support for students with special needs. The provincial government has expressed a willingness to negotiate but maintains that the teachers’ demands are not affordable. As a result of the resumed job action, extra-curricular activities, such as sports practices, music rehearsals, and clubs, have been suspended in many schools across Saskatchewan. The STF has also instructed its members not to participate in graduation ceremonies or other end-of-year events. The Saskatchewan government has criticized the teachers’ decision to resume job action, arguing that it will disrupt the education of students. The government has also accused the STF of engaging in a “pressure campaign” that is not in the best interests of students or the public. Negotiations between the STF and the government are expected to continue, but no talks have been scheduled for the immediate future. The resumption of job action has raised concerns among parents and students about the potential impact on the end of the school year and the transition to the next grade level.Teachers Resume Work in Saskatchewan Under Sanctions

Teachers Resume Work in Saskatchewan Under Sanctions

Teachers in Saskatchewan have resumed work amidst a job action that aims to pressure the province back into negotiations on issues such as class size and student support. Under the sanctions, teachers will not participate in volunteer activities such as lunchroom supervision and extracurriculars. They will also arrive only 15 minutes before the start of the school day and leave 15 minutes after its end.

School Board Responses

Regina Public Schools has adjusted bus schedules to ensure students are dropped off when teachers are available. Buses will transport children home for lunch, but parents are responsible for taking them back to school for afternoon classes and picking them up at the end of the day. The Saskatoon Catholic School Division has shortened school days, dismissing students an hour and 20 minutes early.

Government’s Position

Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill has stated that Grade 12 graduation ceremonies will proceed as scheduled, regardless of teacher presence. Cockrill has expressed disappointment in the stalled talks, highlighting the $18 million increase offered for classroom issues in the province’s latest proposal. He believes binding arbitration provides a clear path forward.

Failed Negotiations

The job action follows a lengthy negotiation process between teachers and Premier Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan Party government. Teachers have rejected previous offers, claiming they fall short in reducing class sizes and providing support for students with special needs. The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation has expressed a desire to continue negotiations rather than entering binding arbitration. The outcome of the job action and the future of negotiations remain uncertain.Teachers in Saskatchewan will be returning to job action as the end of the school year approaches and collective bargaining negotiations continue. The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has announced that teachers will not be participating in after-school or extracurricular activities, field trips, or committee work involving parents. The job action will begin next week and will continue until further notice. The STF and the provincial government have been engaged in collective bargaining since January 2023, but have not been able to reach an agreement on a new contract. The STF is seeking a wage increase of 10.9 percent over three years, while the government has offered a 3 percent increase over two years. The STF says that the government’s offer is not enough to keep up with the rising cost of living, and that teachers are facing increasing workload and a lack of support. The government says that its offer is fair and reasonable, and that it is committed to reaching an agreement that is in the best interests of both teachers and students. The job action will affect teachers in all public schools in Saskatchewan, including elementary, high school, and First Nations schools. The STF says that it regrets any inconvenience that the job action may cause parents and students, but that it is necessary to stand up for what is right. The STF is encouraging parents and students to contact their MLAs and the Minister of Education to express their support for teachers and to urge the government to reach a fair agreement.