WEYBURN – The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation has announced a province-wide strike for Wednesday, March 20, as the government brings down its budget, and a withdrawal of extracurricular activities for Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22. (In addition, in Southeast Cornerstone schools, there will be no noon-hour supervision on Tuesday, March 19.)
This next round of job action is set to affect all districts and regions of the province. The STF estimates they will have a force of around 4,000 teachers march on the Legislature on budget day, while other teachers will be staging demonstrations at other locations around the province.
President Samantha Becotte cites the government’s failure to address crucial issues, particularly regarding class size and complexity. The STF had proposed binding arbitration on these issues, but the government refused to enter that process.
“Thousands of teachers bring the message right to the government’s doorstep. The premier and Education minister are not listening to teachers, and they are not listening to the thousands of parents, caregivers and students who are calling on the government to respond to the needs of education,” said Becotte.
The withdrawal of extracurricular activities on March 21 and 22 means teachers will not provide voluntary services for the organization, supervision and facilitation of activities including athletics, non-curricular arts, field trips, student travel, graduation preparations, school clubs and other activities.
Hoopla, the provincial high school basketball championships, is on the line, said the Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association (SHSAA).
The SHSAA board said on Monday, if the sanctions are not lifted by 3 p.m. on March 20, then Hoopla will be cancelled due to the lack of teacher involvement in the events.
“It will be extremely disappointing if the two sides cannot come to an arrangement that will allow the sanctions to be lifted,” said the board’s statement, noting that 750 students plus coaches, managers and other team personnel would be impacted.
“Extracurricular activities are an incredibly valuable part of the school experience for both students and teachers, but the education of children and youth is always our first priority,” said Becotte.
