Teachers Suspend Job Action Ahead of New Round of Negotiations

The Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation is suspending all job action after being invited to resume negotiations by the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee.

The GTBC extended the invitation late Wednesday, saying it had received a new mandate from the provincial government. The two sides are scheduled to meet on Monday, February 12 in Saskatoon.

“We welcome the opportunity to return to the bargaining table to discuss teachers’ proposals and the important issues facing education in Saskatchewan,” says STF President Samantha Becotte. “We are hopeful that the GTBC’s new mandate will allow for productive negotiations that will address the needs of students and teachers.”

Effective immediately, the Federation is suspending all planned job action as part of its continuing commitment to good-faith bargaining. This means that the scheduled provincewide withdrawal of noon-hour supervision planned for Thursday, February 8 has been cancelled. Teachers who usually provide noon-hour supervision at schools will be allowed to provide that service on Thursday.

“We are encouraged by this change in course,” Becotte says. “The solidarity of teachers and the outpouring of support from parents, students, businesses, churches and religious groups and the general public across the province have played a crucial role in helping bring government back to the table. These past weeks have made it clear that teachers are united and committed to students and public education. Should these negotiations fail, job action will resume.”