Saskatchewan teachers reject wage deal, demand more action on help for classrooms

The head of Saskatchewan’s teachers union says an overwhelming ‘no’ vote on the province’s latest contract offer shows members want more than paper promises.

Samantha Becotte said Friday Premier Scott Moe’s government must demonstrate concrete action on issues of classroom sizes and supports for students with additional learning needs.

She said the Saskatchewan Party government also needs to ensure teachers receive more pay to help schools recruit and retain educators.

Becotte’s comments come the day after 90 per cent of participating teachers voted to reject a proposed new collective bargaining agreement. More than 92 per cent of the 13,500 members cast their ballots.

The province did not want classroom supports funding in the contract but inserted a line in the agreement promising to follow through with $46 million in additional funding.

“I know the government and (school boards) have moved slightly with the inclusion of the one line, but teachers said that isn’t enough,” Becotte told reporters.

“We’ve already heard from school divisions about potential cuts. I’ve heard from some teachers that their division is losing 11 positions, and that means class sizes are going to grow and students’ needs aren’t going to be addressed.”

Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said Friday he’s disappointed by the vote and thought the offer was fair.

“Government has moved on significant items and I would say we haven’t seen the same from the teachers bargaining committee,” he told reporters.

“Government is committed to making significant investments in our K-12 education sector, and I think everybody in the province wants to see a deal done.”