The province and the Sask. Teachers Bargaining Committee (TBC) reached a tentative agreement last Wednesday which includes a pay increase for teachers in Saskatchewan.
The tentative agreement will be taken to the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation’s (STF) 13,000 members for a vote.
“This tentative agreement balances our respect and appreciation for teachers with the fiscal realities of the province,” said deputy premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant.
“The terms of our offer mean that Saskatchewan teachers will have stability for years to come and be paid at five per cent above the Western Canadian average,” he added.
The four-year tentative agreement includes a two per cent salary increase for years two, three and four.
STF president Patrick Maze said while the proposed agreement does not fully address all items the TBC sought resolution on, with the uncertainty surrounding the COVI-19 pandemic, the TBC felt it was necessary for members to vote on the current offer.
“COVID-19’s impact on our communities over the last month has been significant on the education sector, our communities and each of us individually and professionally,” said Maze in a press release.
“While the proposed settlement does not fully address all the items the TBC sought resolution on in this round of bargaining, given the uncertainty caused by the pandemic the TBC felt it was necessary for members to vote on this offer,” he added.
The STF’s press release said they remain committed to solving class size and composition through ongoing advocacy and participation on a new class complexity committee.
“Our withdrawal of these issues from this round of bargaining in no way signals resolution or reduced importance of these issues,” said Maze.
“Systematic changes take time and are often made incrementally. I believe we have advanced this issue significantly, and the federation is unwavering in its dedication to address class complexity and ensure an adequately funded public education system in Saskatchewan,” he added.
The STF’s press release also said if ratified, the new agreement would be effective from Sept. 1, 2019 to Aug. 31, 2023.
In addition to salary raises in years two, three and four, the agreement states at the beginning of each school year, all school boards will provide the STF with contact information of all approved substitute teachers, and increases to allowances for principals, vice-principals and assistant principals for the same two per cent increase
The teachers are expected to vote on the tentative agreement within the next four to six weeks. The STF is finalizing details on how the vote will be conducted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
