Both the provincial government and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation have announced that a tentative agreement has been reached between the Government-Trustee and Teacher bargaining committee.

STF President Samantha Becotte believes the agreement will begin to respond to students’ needs. She says, “The Minister and I have both acknowledged that challenges with classroom complexity have compounded over a decade and solutions won’t be found in one budget cycle or one collective agreement, but this is a good start and a step in the right direction.” She notes that classroom complexity and teachers’ compensation were their top priorities, and the agreement includes improvement in both of those.

There are no other details at this point until teachers have had a chance to check it over and then they will vote May 29th and 30th on whether to accept it. Becotte observed a change in tone during this last round of negotiations, saying, “There really was a willingness from all people involved, all parties involved, to reach an agreement.”

Both Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill and Becotte thank students, parents and teachers for their patience during this process. Cockrill stated, “I am hopeful that the tentative agreement will be finalized so that predictability is provided to families and teachers.” STF’s President thanked the Education Minister for his efforts in advocating to government Caucus to make sure needs are met.

Teachers have been without a contract since the end of August last year.