The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation is upping the ante in its stance to have classroom conditions included in its contract.  

A one-day provincial strike will draw around 4,000 teachers to the Legislative Building the day of the provincial budget’s release. A two-day withdrawal of extra-curricular supports on Thursday and Friday will have an impact on Hoopla, the province’s provincial high school basketball tournament. It will also affect those music students heading to the Optimist Band Festival in Regina.  

“Government’s unwillingness to work with teachers in finding any path forward has forced this decision, which will impact students and communities both big and small across the province,” says STF President Samantha Becotte. “Teachers have done their part to avoid more job action. We have bargained in good faith, and we have been clear that our opening proposals are only a starting point for discussion. We invited government to take part in binding arbitration on the single issue of class size and complexity, but the education minister rejected the offer within hours. The refusal of Minister Cockrill and Premier Moe to compromise are to blame for the strike and students’ loss of extracurricular activities in the days to come.” 

In addition to the rally at the Legislatures, hundreds of teachers will be involved in demonstrations at key locations across the province.