Teachers rally at Saskatchewan Legislative building for higher wages
It's been nine months since Saskatchewan's teachers had a contract — so they're walking.
Schools throughout the province are essentially closed as teachers walk off the job for a day. The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation is hoping the interruption will force the province to find more money to offer in their on-going contract dispute.
Wages are the problem. Neither side has offered a new proposal since conciliation talks broke down in March. The teachers say they need a 12 per cent raise in one year to bring staff up to western Canadian standards. The province's bargaining committee insists five and a half per cent over three years is generous enough.
Education Minister Donna Harpauer was asked to speak at the rally but she's declined.