Sask. teachers suspending extracurricular activities for one day as job action continues
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) says all extracurricular activities will be paused across the province on Monday for its latest round of job action as teachers remain at odds with the province over a new contract.
Extracurricular activities include sports, drama, music, band, science clubs, intramurals, rehearsals, student leadership activities, planning for graduation ceremonies, book fairs and all other clubs and activities, the STF said in a news release.
The planned pause is expected to only last for one day.
Monday will also see the continuation of suspending noon-hour supervision at various school divisions.
That will be for all Saskatoon public and catholic schools, the Northern Lights School Division, Northwest School Division, Prairie South School Division, Living Sky School Division, Light of Christ Catholic School Division and Sakewew High School in North Battleford.
The STF said president Samantha Becotte will provide an update for parents and caregivers on negotiations with the province on Monday evening virtually through Zoom.
“Teachers are passionate about the work we do to support students in classrooms and within the school community. We never want to be in a situation where opportunities for students are impacted; however, this government has left us no other options,” Becotte said in a news release Friday morning.
Saskatchewan teachers and the province have been at odds since initial negotiations began in May 2023.
The province has said it feels it is not appropriate to discuss teachers’ two biggest issues, classroom size and complexity, at the bargaining table.
Instead the provincial government says those issues brought forward by teachers are being taken care of via pilot projects and through funding.
A statement from the Ministry of Education said the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee extended invitations every day this week to the STF to come back to the bargaining table.
"Unfortunately, the union continues to choose job action over bargaining," the statement read.
The government says they moved on a number of items the STF asked for, including "a renewed renewed salary mandate and workplace safety enhancements."
"Outside of bargaining, the government has proposed an agreement with the STF to annualize the $53.1 million in additional funding for class size and complexity."
The STF declared impasses in negotiations in October and February. Their last contract expired in August 2023.
Both sides have accused the other of not showing up to the bargaining table, both sides also say they are willing and ready to resume negotiations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
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.
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.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
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.
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.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.
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.