Contract talks with Saskatchewan teachers break down

Roughly 12,000 public school teachers in Saskatchewan could walk off the job after leaving conciliation talks with the province, but the union representing them insists it doesn't want to.

The two sides requested conciliation back in December after finding themselves at a stalemate. The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation's contract expired last August. Today the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) revealed that the STF recently walked away from the talks between the teachers union and the province's bargaining committee.

Responding at the Legislature Wednesday afternoon, Education Minister Donna Harpauer says the union will meet with representatives from the union's local chapter this weekend.

“The teachers, I'm sure, will have that discussion whether they want togo back to the table or if they want to look at other alternatives,” she explained, admitting that could include a strike. The teachers are not on the province's essential services list.

A short release from the STF stresses they want to resume talks but only if the bargaining committee shows, “an increased commitment to teachers.” The union also feels betrayed by the bargaining committee, explaining they asked the SSBA not to release that information until it had a chance to discuss its options with members.

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A spokesperson from the province's bargaining committee declined comment on Wednesday and is expected to comment on Thursday.

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