Sask. government, teachers' union clash over classroom proposals as contract talks begin

While the Saskatchewan government's bargaining team is saying it's laid out a "fair" offer, the teachers' union says many of its key proposals have been "met with resistance," as the two sides settle in for a summer of contract negotiations.

While the Saskatchewan government's bargaining team is saying it's laid out a "fair" offer, the teachers' union says many of its key proposals have been "met with resistance," as the two sides settle in for a summer of contract negotiations.

Thursday afternoon, the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC), a combination of government and Saskatchewan School Boards Association representatives, issued a press release laying out its proposed salary increases for teachers.

The GBTC said it has offered a three per cent increase for 2023, followed by two per cent increases in 2024 and 2025.

"The GTBC's proposed offer of seven per cent over three years is a fair deal that recognizes the important work of Saskatchewan teachers," the news release said.

It's still early in the process, with contract negotiations expected to continue throughout the summer with the current collective agreement set to expire in August.

"Our offer ensures that wages and benefits for Saskatchewan teachers remain above the western Canadian average," Education Minister Dustin Duncan said in the news release.

Saskatchewan Teachers Federation president Samantha Becotte says while the province's educators have pressing concerns around class size and complexity, as well as student supports, the proposed salary increase falls short of what's needed.