Teachers seek more than money in talks

Less costly items, such as how long a teacher works and a clear definition of duties, may become important factors in ongoing negotiations with the province’s educators.

With collective bargaining between the province and teachers’ union ongoing, a 3.67-per-cent salary decrease or comparable savings through reductions to employee benefits, or a 3.5-per-cent cut in total compensation through reductions has been proposed by the province.

The Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation (STF) is asking for a one-per-cent increase to its pay grid plus rising compensation in line with the consumer price index — but its other, non-monetary proposals could take precedence over that.

Education funding in the province went down $55 million this year, and the province said in 2016 it would only be paying half of the 1.9-per-cent increase it promised teachers during the previous round of collective bargaining.

That, on top of the proposed salary decrease, has left many STF members with low expectations of receiving the one-per-cent increase they seek.

But there is more optimism over other proposals being put forward by the STF. That includes entrenching the definition of a teacher into the contract in place with the province.

The Education Act defines what a teacher is, but that definition is not included in the previous teachers’ contract.

Another proposal being put forward by teachers is in relation to assignable work hours.

The STF is suggesting the maximum assigned hours of work and days of work should be formalized, and subject to contractual limits to include any service beyond a prescribed number of hours and school days.

Education Minister Bronwyn Eyre wouldn’t say if she thought teachers are fairly compensated because she didn’t want to weigh in to the collective bargaining process.

But asked how much more of a decrease education funding could take, Eyre said it is noteworthy there have been cost savings in areas such as joint busing, fuel procurement and administration reductions.

The STF is not commenting on the negotiations.

Teachers are currently at the negotiating table with the province. Both parties are proposing a oneyear contract.

Current negotiations can be sent to an arbitrator if either side agrees to do so. In order for that to happen, a party would have to apply to the Educational Relations Board and be approved to have the matter turned over to arbitration.

An arbitrator’s decision would be final and binding for both parties. Essentially, that means a third party will have the final say if negotiations hit an impasse.

There are fewer teachers in Saskatchewan classrooms this year as opposed to last year.