Saskatchewan Teachers Resume Job Action as End-of-School-Year Bargaining Stalls

Saskatchewan Teachers Resume Job Action as End-of-School-Year Bargaining Stalls

Teachers in Saskatchewan have resumed their job action amidst ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with the provincial government. The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) announced the move after talks failed to produce an agreement before the end of the school year. The job action includes work-to-rule measures, which means teachers will only perform their job duties as outlined in their contracts. They will no longer participate in extracurricular activities, attend meetings outside of their regular work hours, or complete administrative tasks beyond what is required. The STF’s decision to escalate their job action comes after months of unsuccessful negotiations. The union has been seeking improved working conditions, including smaller class sizes, increased support staff, and better compensation. The provincial government has maintained that its latest offer is fair and reasonable, but the STF has rejected it. The resumption of job action has raised concerns about the end of the school year for students and parents. The STF has emphasized that they are committed to minimizing disruption and ensuring that students complete their academic year as smoothly as possible. The provincial government has expressed disappointment with the STF’s decision to resume job action. Education Minister Dustin Duncan stated that the government remains open to negotiations but will not compromise student learning. With the end of the school year approaching, it remains uncertain how long the job action will last. The STF has indicated that it is prepared to continue work-to-rule measures “indefinitely” until an agreement is reached. The resumption of job action by Saskatchewan teachers highlights the challenges faced by educators and governments in negotiating fair and sustainable working conditions within the context of public education.Teachers in Saskatchewan Resume Work Amid Negotiations

Teachers in Saskatchewan Resume Work Amid Negotiations

In an effort to resume negotiations with the provincial government, teachers in Saskatchewan have returned to work but are implementing sanctions. These sanctions include refusing to volunteer for lunchroom supervision and extracurricular activities. Additionally, teachers are now arriving at school only 15 minutes before the start of the day and leaving 15 minutes after classes end. To adapt to these changes, Regina Public Schools has rearranged buses to ensure students are dropped off and picked up during the times when teachers are present. For lunch, buses will take children home, but parents must return them to school for afternoon lessons. The Saskatoon Catholic School Division has shortened school days, dismissing students an hour and 20 minutes early. Despite the teachers’ actions, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill has stated that remaining Grade 12 graduation ceremonies will proceed, regardless of teacher presence. The job action is the latest development in ongoing negotiations between teachers and the provincial government. Teachers have rejected the government’s proposal for binding arbitration, which would remove negotiations from both parties and rely on a third-party decision. Teachers have also declined two previous offers from the province, citing insufficient measures to reduce class sizes and provide support for students with additional needs. Cockrill has expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in negotiations but believes binding arbitration provides a clear path forward.Teachers in Saskatchewan are resuming their job action in the end-of-school-year collective bargaining. The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has announced that teachers will begin rotating strikes on Tuesday, May 31st. The strikes will affect different school divisions each day, and will continue until a new collective agreement is reached. The STF has been negotiating with the provincial government since March without success. The union is seeking salary increases, improved working conditions, and smaller class sizes. The government has offered a 2% salary increase, but the STF has rejected this offer. The rotating strikes will begin in the following school divisions on May 31st: * Regina Public Schools * Saskatoon Public Schools * Prince Albert Catholic School Division * Holy Trinity Catholic School Division The STF has said that it is prepared to continue the strikes until a new collective agreement is reached. The government has said that it is committed to reaching a fair agreement, but that it needs to be responsible with taxpayer dollars. The rotating strikes are expected to cause significant disruption to the end of the school year. Parents are encouraged to contact their school division for more information on how the strikes will affect their children’s education.