Saskatchewan Teachers Reinstating Sanctions and Organizing Strikes Amidst Failed Negotiations

Saskatchewan teachers are preparing to return to picket lines following the breakdown of talks between the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) and the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee. The STF announced on Tuesday evening that negotiations held on Monday and Tuesday had collapsed, prompting teachers to reinstate sanctions on Friday. One-day rotating strikes are scheduled at various school divisions across the province, with demonstration sites planned outside Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill’s office in North Battleford and Premier Scott Moe’s office in Shellbrook. Teachers will also withdraw noon-hour supervision in all schools provincewide. The STF president, Samantha Becotte, expressed gratitude for the support the teachers had received during the dispute and emphasized the importance of investing in education for the benefit of children and the province’s prosperity. The breakdown in talks appears to have been prompted by the government’s limited mandate and alleged stalling tactics. The government had made a proposal outside of the bargaining process, but the union insisted on negotiations within the framework of formal talks. The government expressed disappointment at the union’s decision to walk away from the bargaining table after just 30 minutes. The dispute centers around teachers’ demands for a salary increase of two percent plus the Consumer Price Index average annual rate for four years, as well as addressing classroom conditions. The government has offered a salary increase of seven percent over three years and has made additional commitments outside of the contract. However, the two sides remain divided on the inclusion of class size and classroom complexity in the collective bargaining agreement. The government contends that these issues should be addressed by school divisions rather than negotiated with teachers directly. With negotiations at a standstill, the union and government are expected to hold separate media availabilities to address the situation.