Saskatchewan’s Education Minister says he is disappointed by the result of the teacher’s vote on a new deal. Jeremy Cockrill, in a statement issued last night, describes the offer as a fair agreement not only negotiated between government, school divisions and the STF, but one that was endorsed and recommended by the STF executive senior leadership.

The Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation says in voting held Wednesday and Thursday, 55 per cent of teachers opposed the agreement, with 88 per cent of eligible voters casting a ballot.  STF says it takes its direction from its membership and President Samantha Becotte says the feedback they’ve received from their members shows teachers feel their priorities haven’t been adequately addressed. The union says the result of the vote is a message to government and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association that teachers need to see real changes to classroom complexity and compensation.

In a news release Becotte says the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee has extended a verbal invitation for the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee to return to the negotiating table and a formal, written invitation will be sent today. If the invitation is not accepted, or talks break down, STF says 48 hours’ notice will be given prior to the resumption of job action. A news conference will be held this morning with the Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation.