The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has announced an extension of their job action, with teachers planning to withdraw from extracurricular activities provincewide from Monday, March 25 until Thursday, March 28. Additionally, some divisions will experience a withdrawal of noon-hour supervision on Monday.
The decision comes against the backdrop of the recently unveiled provincial budget, which the government has characterized as a significant investment in education. However, negotiations between the government and teachers have reached an impasse, primarily centered on concerns over class size and complexity.
STF President Samantha Becotte reiterated the teachers’ position, stating, “For weeks we have made it clear that job action would escalate if the government continued its refusal to negotiate or agree to binding arbitration on class size and complexity – an issue of paramount importance to teachers.”
The withdrawal of extracurricular activities encompasses various voluntary services provided by teachers, including athletics, non-curricular arts, and field trips. Becotte acknowledged the inconvenience this may cause to students but emphasized the lack of progress in negotiations.
The decision to withdraw noon-hour supervision on Monday will impact six local teachers’ associations, affecting lunchtime activities and student supervision. Becotte clarified that while teachers often volunteer for these duties, it falls outside their contracted obligations.
Despite the disruption to students and parents, teachers have garnered support from various quarters. Community members have joined teachers in large numbers at the Legislative Building, and supporters have maintained a presence at demonstration sites throughout Saskatchewan.
The STF highlighted the significant volume of correspondence directed at provincial cabinet ministers, with nearly 400,000 emails and phone calls advocating for publicly funded education and urging the government to address the issue of class size and complexity in negotiations.
As negotiations remain deadlocked and tensions escalate, the impact on students and the education system remains a pressing concern. The extension of job action underscores the depth of the impasse between teachers and the government, with both sides holding firm on their respective positions.