Sask. gov’t and Teachers’ Federation finally reach deal
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Bluesky
-
Share on X
- Copy Link
It took much effort but an agreement has finally been reached between the government and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF).
It comes after negotiations went the conciliation route and a report was received. But even then little agreement was found between the two sides.
“After working through the conciliation process, as a board we saw no possibility of agreement on any terms more favourable to either party,” said Andrew Sims Q.C., Chair Conciliation Board. “We believe the terms in the report represent the best agreement possible given the circumstances and the interests of all parties.”
The settlement includes a wage increase of 7.55 per cent over four years and a 0.25 per cent increase to the government pension contribution rates to the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Retirement Plan effective July 1, 2016.
Money wasn’t the only sticking point in these drawn-out negotiations. The two sides have also committed to the creation of a Task Force on Teacher Time.
On top of that, when the new regulatory body for teachers is established, any professional fees incurred by teachers and school boards will be paid for by the Ministry of Education in the first two years.
A new regulatory body is being established to replace the disciplinary board within the STF. Teachers had come under much criticism for essentially regulating and disciplining themselves.
“After careful deliberations, members of the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee and STF Executive agreed with the conciliation board’s strong and unanimous advice to accept the terms of settlement,” said Randy Cline, STF vice-president. “We determined that it was in the best interests of teachers to secure the resources leveraged by the conciliation process now.”
The terms of settlement will form a new provincial bargaining agreement and will take effect immediately.
“The GTBC listened to teachers, developed a deeper understanding of the issues, and during the conciliation process we were able to respond to some of those concerns,” said Connie Bailey, Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee. “Having an agreement in place is important to the education sector and we are committed to working together for the benefit of all Saskatchewan students.”
Saskatchewan’s teachers had been without a contract since their last deal expired August 31, 2013.
A tentative agreement was rejected by teachers in October, 2013 by a vote of 73 percent.
A second tentative agreement was reached in May, 2014 but in results released by the STF at the time, 63 per cent of the 13,236 who voted rejected the deal.
The teachers will not be voting on the deal that was reached. The STF has the power to accept an agreement without taking it to their members (teachers) for a vote. In order to reach a deal immediately they decided to exercise that power.
A spokesperson from government confirms they would have preferred that teachers vote on the deal, but that’s not what STF decided was best for their membership.
