The Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee and the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee reconvened to work out a provisional Provincial Collective Bargaining Agreement on April 22.
Thereafter, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation will take the settlement still in progress to their 13,000 teacher members, so they can vote on the updated contract.
This speculative four-year agreement is intended to incorporate a 2.0 per cent salary increase in years two, three and four. Though this latest arrangement didn’t tackle enduring issues such as class size and composition, the union felt the dust should settle between the government and the bargaining committee because of pandemic.
“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,” replied Patrick Maze, President, Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. “While the proposed settlement does not fully address all 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.”
Meanwhile, the government is relieved to have reached at least an indefinite stage in resolving their longstanding differences with the union.
“This tentative agreement balances our respect and appreciation for teachers with the fiscal realities of the province,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said as he described the agreement. “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.”
