Province-wide strike action by teachers

Thousands of teachers across the province are warning the government, with no agreement, the job action will continue.

Starting Monday, teachers are going to be sticking to the basics.

They’ll be in the classroom, but won’t be dedicating any time to extra curricular activities.

And today, Saskatchewan teachers walked off the job for the second day in a row.

Around three thousand teachers, students, friends and supporters made their message to the government loud and clear.

“It is about our values as a province, and the values of work we do everyday with our province’s most valuable natural resource – our kids,” said John McGettigan, newly elected president of the Saskatoon Teachers Association.

But as teachers continue to take a stand, the government says they need to sit back down.

“We are definitely encouraging them to come back to the bargaining table. We have added more to our original offer.

We’re willing to look at further flexibilities and further resources.

However those discussions have to take place at the table,” said Education Minister Donna Harpauer.

Talks which so far, have stalled.

Teachers want to see a 16.3% wage hike over three years – a number the government believes is unreasonable.

“What the teachers are asking for is $320 million, quite frankly we don’t feel that is reasonable. We’re very concerned that it wouldn’t be sustainable,” said Harpauer.

The government is trying to avoid a situation like the one facing Alberta teachers.

Salaries are slated to increase there in September, but now in the midst of budget cuts, upwards of 200 jobs are being lost.

But McGettigan says, “this job action is not about Manitoba, it’s not about Alberta.”

With the end of the school year fast approaching, there are concerns about whether grade 12 students will be able to write their final exams if teachers are on strike.

Today the president of the Regina Public School Teachers Association, who is also an NDP candidate in the fall election, couldn’t provide any assurances.

“I would go ask Mr. Wall, and see what his plans are for exams. And like I say he can pick up the phone and quickly make a call, and bring the resources to the table. And we will have a deal and this all goes away,” said Pat Maze.

“Our number one priority, quite frankly is as government, is to give the assurance to both parents and students that indeed, the final exams will take place. It’s very disappointing the STF won’t give that assurance,” replied Harpauer.