Sask. premier announces more education spending to address teachers dispute

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says his government will put up millions of dollars in new education funding to help resolve a bargaining impasse with teachers.

The teachers, however, say the message isn’t landing.

Moe says the upcoming provincial budget will offer $180 million more in operating funding and $45 million more for classroom supports.

The budget is set to be introduced March 20.

Moe made the announcement Wednesday on the social media platform X.

“This should clearly demonstrate our government’s commitment to address teachers’ concerns around classroom supports,” Moe said.

The Teachers’ Federation and the province have been at loggerheads over a new contract, with teachers going on rotating strikes over the past month and planning to cancel extracurricular trips.

The union is demanding the province address classroom complexity and student supports in the collective agreement, which the government has said it won’t do.

The union says it won’t be returning to the bargaining table until the province makes a commitment in the collective agreement.

“We have all lived through promises, so-called commitments and election year budgets only to have the funding clawed back or cut a year later,” the federation said in a news release.

“This is not bargaining at the table and it is not an irrevocable commitment in contract. Sask. students, families and teachers won’t fall for it.”

Moe said he doesn’t want students to lose out on not being able to learn or participate in extracurricular activities.

“In recent years, we have seen the consequences of kids not being in the classroom. And we never want to repeat that,” he said.

The union said the province’s “intransigence” has left them with no choice but to take job action.

“If government would simply bring these offers to the table, a deal could be reached very quickly and all sanction activity would stop,” it said.

“If government is truly committed to this funding and improving students’ learning conditions, they will put it in the collective agreement.”