Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill has issued a statement in response to the STF’s announcement this morning on job action. He says the government is disappointed that the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation executive continues to work toward a strike while the Government Trustee Bargaining Committee remains at the bargaining table, ready to talk. He also suggests the two new pilot projects announced this week shows their commitment to addressing classroom complexity.
One of the pilot projects announced earlier this week was characterized by the STF as the government admitting there’s an issue. However, STF President Samantha Becotte pointed out there are only eight classrooms in the first pilot project that was announced, and complexity issues are faced all across the province, not just in the larger urban centres.
Cockrill says the government has put forward a fair deal and their bargaining committee would like to continue discussing salary and benefits but can’t because he says STF refuses to return to the table.
Full Statement from Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill:
We are disappointed that the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation executive continues to work toward a strike while the Government Trustee Bargaining Committee remains at the bargaining table, ready to talk.
Outside of that process, we have demonstrated our commitment to addressing classroom complexity with record funding, and two brand new pilot projects announced just this week.
We know that disrupting learning is not what is in the best interest of students, and that deals are reached at the bargaining table, not on the picket line.
We also know that the STF’s decision affects parents and that school divisions are already working to communicate directly with parents and caregivers.
The GTBC has put forward a fair deal for teachers with a 7% raise over three years, ensuring Saskatchewan teachers remain paid above the Western Canadian Average.
The GTBC would like to continue discussing competitive salary and benefits but cannot with the STF refusing to return to the table.
