By Kellah Lavoie

Schools close Thursday while teachers walk off the job

May 3, 2011 | 4:45 PM

Teachers in Prince Albert are walking off the job on Thursday.

It is the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation’s latest step in contract negations that have been going on since last August. They are calling it a “one-day study day and rally.”

Bill Cooke, director of education with the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division (SRSD), said they only found out this morning of the situation.

“We’re going to cancel classes, so keep students home. We are going to cancel extra-curricular activities and transportation,” he said.

The Prince Albert Roman Catholic Separate School Division (PARCSSD) is going about things the same way. The safety and wellbeing of their students is the most important thing, said Tim Jelinski, director of education for PARCSSD.

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All schools in the two divisions are sending letters home tonight about the one-day closure.

Parents don’t seem too put off by the decision.

While many didn’t want to give their name, the general consensus was it was just something that teachers had to do.

“I think it’s probably the best of maybe a bad situation that could have been a lot longer and a lot worse. They have to fight for their right too,” one father said.

“I would prefer they don’t, but I can understand why they would have to, they deserve more money too,” said a mother.

Another parent said in the long run it’s best for the kids, if the teachers get what they deserve.

“I guess that have to do what they have to do,” said a father. “Wage hasn’t kept parity, (they have to)do what (they) think is necessary.”

While it was split between those who were left scrambling for childcare and those who had it, they all said they are glad it is only one day, but they hope the STF has their voice heard.

Both school divisions were ready for some sort of announcement.

“We’re always prepared for some sort of sanction down the road… we have a plan in place here and that included informing all of the parents as soon as possible,”Jelinski said.

Cooke said they knew something was going to happen, but simply didn’t know what.

All schools will be open with support staff working.

“If someone were to come to a school, those schools will have staff available,” Jelinski said, adding he hopes no students will show up.

There was 48 hours of notice given – as promised by the STF – and both school divisions said they believe it will be enough notice.

“If anything happens in the future, we respect the STF and appreciate the fact that they’ll give us 48 hours’ notice and will inform the public as soon as possible,” Jelinski said.

The main sticking point for contract negotiations is wage. The STF is asking for 12 per cent over one year, while the Saskatchewan School Boards Association is offering a 5.5 per cent increase over three years.

For more: Saskatchewan teachers to walk off the job Thursday

Teachers threaten sanctions after vote

Teachers and School Boards Association no closer to a deal

Teachers readying for strike vote

Public School Division hopes for no strike

Contract talks with Saskatchewan teachers break down

klavoie@panow.com