A four-year tentative agreement has been reached between the provincial government and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.
The agreement, announced by the provincial government April 22, includes a two per cent salary increase in years two, three and four.
To move ahead, a majority of the federation’s 13,000 members will have to vote in favour of the contract within the next four to six weeks. If ratified, the new agreement would be effective from September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2023.
“This tentative agreement balances our respect and appreciation for teachers with the fiscal realities of the province,” said Gordon Wyant, the province’s education minister, in a media release.
“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.”
Patrick Maze, the federation’s president, said the given the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the bargaining committee felt it was necessary for members to vote on this offer, despite the fact it does not fully address all items the federation sought resolution on, like class size and composition.
“Our withdrawal of these issues from this round of bargaining in no way signals resolution or reduced importance of these issues,” he said.
“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.”
