Saskatchewan teachers agree to binding arbitration, sanctions to cease

The province-wide work-to-rule sanction is coming to an end, as the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has agreed to participate in binding arbitration for wages and class complexity-accountability framework.

“We would have loved to see a negotiated agreement that addressed the needs of students and teachers, but we’ll continue to fight for public education, continue to look to see more improvements for students and ensure we can protect them in the long term,” STF President Samantha Becotte said on Friday. “Looking forward, binding arbitration is a fair, unbiased opportunity for us to present our case.”

In a release, Becotte said “extensive consultation” with members indicated teachers see binding arbitration as “the best path to an agreement that will take steps to address class complexity and provide stability for the rest of this school year and into the fall.”

“Securing a written commitment from the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee that class complexity-accountability framework would be part of the joint submission for arbitration meant the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee was able to bring the proposal to members.”

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The release said around three-quarters of members believe binding arbitration is the best path forward, based on numerous member consultations. The federation said the decision means there will be no further sanctions after the current one ends at 4 p.m. Friday.

The Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) offered binding arbitration on the issue of wages and the accountability framework after the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee (TBC) declared a bargaining impasse on June 5. It was rejected as it did not include class complexity.

In a statement, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said he’s pleased teachers have directed the STF to agree to binding arbitration.

“Binding arbitration will provide predictability in the lives of students, families, and teachers as the school year comes to an end, all while allowing for a path to the finalization of a new provincial collective agreement.”

The next step in the process is for an arbitrator to be appointed, followed by a hearing where both sides will present their case.