Sask. teachers announce provincewide strike on day government presents budget
CTV
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) says a provincewide one day strike will be held on Wednesday this week, the same day the provincial government is set to reveal its latest budget.
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) says a provincewide one day strike will be held on Wednesday this week, the same day the provincial government is set to reveal its latest budget.
More than 4,000 teachers will deliver a strong message at the legislative building in Regina, while hundreds more will take part in demonstrations across the province, an STF news release said.
“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,” STF president Samantha Becotte said in the release.
Recently the STF requested that the two sides, who have been at odds since initial bargaining began in May of 2023, bring in a third-party arbitrator to help settle the dispute.
However, the province said last week that it was not interested in a third party referee at this time.
“I don't think we're at the point where binding arbitration would be appropriate,” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said.
“Binding arbitration would deal with items in the provincial collectively bargained agreement. We've been clear that these issues — class size and complexity — are not issues related to the CBA,” he added.
For the last seven-and-half months, Toronto resident Heather McArthur has been living out what she describes as her 'worst nightmare.' On Feb. 7, her then three-year-old son Jacob along with his father Loc Phu 'Jay' Le departed for what was supposed to be a week-long visit to Vietnam to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family, McArthur says.