Sask. teachers overwhelmingly reject proposed deal, calling it a 'disservice to students'
Saskatchewan teachers have overwhelmingly voted “no” to a proposed deal that would have marked the end of a nearly year-long labour dispute.
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) says 92.2 per cent of members voted, with 90 per cent of those voting no.
“The message to government and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association is crystal clear: their so-called ‘final offer’ is unacceptable and does a disservice to students and teachers," STF president Samantha Becotte said in a news release sent on Thursday evening.
According to the release, the Teachers' Bargaining Committee extended an invitation to the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) to return to the negotiating table on May 13 and 14. If the GTBC accepts the invitation, teachers "will not immediately recommence sanctions."
“We need a deal that guarantees the government’s full, unwavering commitment to the future of public schools beyond the election cycle. Anything less is untenable,” Becotte said in the release.
The STF has said the proposed deal was presented as a “final offer” while the province classified it as a “tentative agreement.”
The deal would have seen an eight per cent pay increase over three years, three per cent in the first two years and two per cent in the final year of the deal – with pay retroactive to September 2023.
Classroom size and complexity was not addressed in the offer itself – rather a line was included referring to a funding agreement that the province signed with school divisions.
The agreement contains “accountability framework” which the province says will address sustainable funding concerns from teachers.
Becotte is set to hold a news conference at 10:30 Friday morning to discuss the results of the vote and the STF’s path forward.
In a statement released Thursday evening, Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill expressed his disappointment with the result of the vote.
"The best deal will be reached at the bargaining table, and both sides should immediately agree to return to the table and avoid any further sanctions that could jeopardize instructional time and important milestone events for Saskatchewan students," the statement read.
The two sides began bargaining in late May of 2023. Saskatchewan teachers’ last contract expired in August of that year.
The STF declared an impasse in October and voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action soon after.
Job action officially began in January and included rotating one day strikes, the pause of supervision and extracurricular activities as well as “work to rule.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'The root cause': Canada outlines national action plan to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Michael Cohen says he stole from Trump's company as defence presses key hush money trial witness
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
Red Lobster probes "endless shrimp" losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
'Next man up': Canucks coach, teammates bracing for Game 7 without Brock Boeser
Questions about how the team is going to handle the absence of star winger Brock Boeser from a do-or-die game seven dominated pre-game interviews with the Vancouver Canucks coach and players Monday morning.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.