By Chris Carr

Saskatchewan teachers potentially could go on strike

Apr 5, 2011 | 7:03 AM

We should know by the end of this month whether classes will be cut short in this school year.

The Saskatchewan Federation of Teachers says a so-called “sanctions vote” will be held next week. That could result in anything from a partial withdrawal of services, to an all out strike.

Gwen Dueck with the STF says wages top the priority around this bargaining table. She says there would need to be a quote “historical adjustment” to salaries before they except an offer.

“So that teachers salaries are truly competitive with our neighbouring jurisdictions,” said Dueck.

For Dueck that means 12 percent over one year, but that's not even close to the 5.5 percent being offered over three years by the School Boards Association. .

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Dueck believes support for these so-called sanctions is not only high among teachers but parents as well.

“Parents certainly recognize the important work that teachers do, that they work outside a 9:00 to 3:30 day,” Dueck added.

We aren't being told how soon these sanctions could be imposed, but Dueck isn't ruling out the possibility that classes could be disrupted this spring.

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