Government announces tentative contract agreement with Saskatchewan teachers

Saskatchewan teachers may have a new contract, as the government and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) says a tentative deal has been reached.

“The tentative agreement encompasses various key matters discussed during recent negotiations, reflecting the collaborative efforts of both parties to address the needs of students, families, and teachers across Saskatchewan,” the government said in a release issued Friday.

“I want to thank parents, teachers, and students for their patience during this process,” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “I am hopeful that the tentative agreement will be finalized so that predictability is provided to families and teachers.”

The tentative agreement seems to have the support of STF leadership.

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STF president Samantha Becotte said through negotiations over the last week, she noticed a considerable change in attitude from the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC).

“This has not been an easy process for anyone involved, but we have arrived at a mutually acceptable agreement that will begin to respond to student’s needs,” Becotte said.

“The Minister and I have both acknowledged that challenges with classroom complexity have compounded over a decade, and solutions won’t be found in one budget cycle or one collective agreement. But this is a good start and a step in the right direction.”

Bargaining talks resumed after 90 per cent of STF voters opposed what the government called their ‘final offer.’

On Thursday evening, it was announced teachers voted 95 per cent in favour of renewed job sanctions if necessary.

“In any tentative agreement there are going to be points that both sides maybe aren’t necessarily satisfied with,” Becotte said. “But we did see that there had been sufficient movement (from the GTBC) to be able to endorse this and recommend it to our members.”

There are currently no details on what is included in the new contract. STF will be presenting the offer to teachers over the following days, and a vote will be cast by members on May 29 and May 30.