Sask. teachers return to the picket line for more rotating strikes

Saskatchewan teachers in certain school divisions are taking park in more rotating strikes on Wednesday as contract talks remain stalled between the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) and province.

Saskatchewan teachers in certain school divisions are taking park in more rotating strikes on Wednesday as contract talks remain stalled between the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) and province.

Teachers on strike are from the Saskatoon public and catholic divisions as well as Prairie Spirit School Division, Northern Lights School Division and Creighton School Division.

STF president Samantha Becotte says public support has been strong for teachers.

“We regularly hear from parents, business owners and we’ve seen a lot of support from religious groups and churches who have opened their doors and allowed teachers to come in and warm up during these days,” Becotte told CTV Morning Live.

Teachers have been offered a seven per cent salary increase over three years but say their main issues that need to be addressed at the bargaining table are classroom sizes and complexities.

The province has been steadfast on their stance that those issues are not something they are willing to bargain on. Instead the province says those issues are being brought to the forefront through funding and pilot project announcements.

The STF says teachers will be picketing between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday throughout northern Saskatchewan as well as in Warman and three spots in Saskatoon.