Contract negotiations between the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) and the provincial government have been ongoing for several months, with a potential deal on the horizon. The Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) presented its final offer after two days of difficult negotiations, which includes a three-year agreement with salary increases of three per cent in year one, three per cent in year two, and two per cent in year three with retroactive pay to September 2023. The offer also references the accountability framework in relation to a Memorandum of Understanding among the three parties. STF president Samantha Becotte is expected to provide more information to the media on Thursday.
The GTBC announced that a tentative agreement has been reached between the STF and themselves. The tentative agreement includes a three-year term, enhancements to teachers’ benefits package, and the inclusion of an accountability framework. The GTBC believes that this agreement is fair and reasonable and will benefit Saskatchewan students, teachers, and families. Throughout negotiations, STF has emphasized the need to address issues such as classroom size and complexity within the contract. Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill recently announced an MOU offered to teachers with support from the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, aimed at creating an accountability framework for a multi-year funding agreement signed between the SSBA and the education ministry this year.
The final offer from the GTBC includes a three-year term, salary increases, and a reference to an accountability framework in relation to an MOU. The GTBC believes the agreement is fair and reasonable and will benefit students, teachers, and families in Saskatchewan. During negotiations over Easter break, the government refused to make the MOU binding, sparking concerns from STF. The STF has consistently highlighted the importance of addressing issues like classroom size and complexity within the contract to ensure the best outcomes for teachers and students.
The MOU offered to teachers by the government and supported by the SSBA aims to create an accountability framework for a multi-year funding agreement signed between the SSBA and the education ministry earlier in the year. STF has expressed concerns over the government’s refusal to make the MOU binding during negotiations. The final offer from the GTBC includes a three-year agreement with salary increases and a reference to the accountability framework, which the STF will bring to its members for ratification. Throughout negotiations, STF has emphasized the need to address issues such as classroom size and complexity to ensure the best possible outcomes for teachers and students.
With a potential deal in sight between STF and the provincial government, a final offer has been presented by the GTBC, which includes a three-year agreement with salary increases and references to an accountability framework. The offer is set to be brought to STF members for ratification. The GTBC believes this agreement is fair and reasonable and will benefit students, teachers, and families in Saskatchewan. STF has emphasized the importance of addressing issues like classroom size and complexity within the contract, and concerns have been raised over the government’s refusal to make the MOU binding during negotiations. STF president Samantha Becotte is expected to provide further information to the media on Thursday.
