The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) says a one-day strike will take place across the province on Wednesday of this week, the same day the provincial government will unveil its latest budget.
More than 4,000 teachers will deliver a strong message at the legislative building in Regina, while hundreds more will participate in demonstrations across the province, according to a press release from the STF.
“The government’s unwillingness to work with teachers to find a way forward has forced this decision, which will affect students and communities, both large and small, across the province,” said the STF president. , Samantha Becotte, in the statement.
Recently, the STF requested that the two sides, who have been at odds since initial negotiations began in May 2023, bring in an outside arbitrator to help resolve the dispute.
However, the province said last week it was not interested in an outside arbitrator at this time.
“I don’t think we’re at the point where binding arbitration is appropriate,” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said.
“Mandatory arbitration would deal with the points of the provincial collective agreement. “We have made it clear that these issues (class size and complexity) are not issues related to the collective agreement,” he added.
The size and complexity of the classroom have been two issues that the STF insists on bringing to the negotiating table.
Earlier this month, Premier Scott Moe revealed the province plans to increase the education budget to $2.2 billion by 2024-25.
Moe said the increase would also include more than $356 million specifically for classroom supports.
“This should clearly demonstrate our government’s commitment to addressing teachers’ concerns around classroom supports,” he said.
The STF also announced Monday morning that it would suspend extracurricular activities across the province on Thursday and Friday of this week.
“Teachers will not provide volunteer services involved in organizing, supervising and facilitating activities including sports, non-curricular arts, field trips, student trips, graduation preparations, school clubs and other activities,” the statement said.
The STF said that will include Hoopla, the provincial high school basketball championships to be held in Moose Jaw and the Optimist Band Festival in Regina.
The Saskatchewan Secondary School Athletic Association (SHSAA) said Monday that if the two sides cannot reach an agreement that lifts the job action by 3 p.m. Wednesday, Hoopla would be canceled.
“The SHSAA relies heavily on the volunteer efforts of teachers in this province to provide educational sports experiences to our students. “Without Saskatchewan teachers available to participate in SHSAA activities as a coach, official or organizer, SHSAA events cannot continue to be offered,” the statement said.
Approximately 750 students, plus coaches, managers and other team personnel would be affected by Hoopla’s cancellation, as would several other organizations and entities, the SHSAA said.
High school students plan to protest Monday at Moose Jaw City Hall over the possible cancellation of the event.
Meanwhile, job action announced last week by the STF causes midday supervision to stop on Monday and Tuesday in several school divisions.
Saskatchewan teachers’ last contract expired in August 2023. Despite some meetings at the negotiating table, the STF declared two stalemates, in October and again in February.
More to come…
— With files from Rory MacLean and David Prisciak.