Sask. teachers, province heading back to bargaining next week after education minister floats new offer
CBC
The union representing teachers in Saskatchewan is calling off all job action and preparing to head back to the bargaining table next week after the province announced a new offer.
The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) said they were invited to resume bargaining with the province late on Wednesday and the decision to suspend all job action is effective immediately.
"We welcome the opportunity to return to the bargaining table to discuss teachers' proposals and the important issues facing education in Saskatchewan," said STF president Samantha Becottee in a press release.
The decision means a planned provincewide withdrawal of lunch supervision on Thursday is cancelled. Teachers who usually provide noon-hour supervision at schools will be allowed to do so on Thursday, the STF said.
At least some school divisions in the province have reversed decisions to implement shortened days or modified schedules meant to accommodate the planned job action.
Regina Public Schools, Saskatoon Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division have all announced Thursday will be like any other school day.
In a video posted on Premier Scott Moe's social media Thursday afternoon, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said provincial negotiators have been given a new negotiation mandate.
The province is now going to offer an extension of the current salary offer or offer the same salary formula that MLAs receive, according to the video.
"Those salary adjustments would be based on the cost of living," Cockrill said.
WATCH| Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill's announcement
Cockrill said that means salary increases would be tied to the consumer price index — a common measure of inflation — from the previous year, with a zero per cent floor and three per cent ceiling.
The education minister said that is a deal the STF has asked for and the province is now offering to them.
"Now that a renewed mandate has been provided, it's time for the teachers' union to be true to their word. Lets get back to the bargaining table," Cockrill said.
The two sides are now scheduled to resume negotiations in Saskatoon on Monday.
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