As students in Saskatchewan made their way back to school on Tuesday, unresolved disputes over a collective bargaining agreement between teachers and the province loomed overhead. Normally a time of joyous reunion and turn-the-page freshness, this year’s back-to-school saga ensnared over 190,000 students returning to classrooms amidst palpable controversy.
Recent times have seen both the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) and the Ministry of Education engage in aggressive ad campaigns in an attempt to bolster their respective stances. This tactic is nothing unusual, as per David Hannah, a Simon Fraser University professor specializing in management studies and labour relations. Hannah highlighted the conspicuous divide between the parties involved, noting that such media-centric operations typically arise due to each party exerting pressurized influence upon the other.
Further negotiations are slated to resume in mid-September, with additional engagements planned throughout October. An August mediation was called off by the STF subsequent to the province launching a billboard campaign, drawing attention to the deep-seated disagreements.
STF president Samantha Becotte spotlighted the grim realities of today’s classrooms, stating, “Whether it is fewer professional supports or larger classroom sizes, students are having a harder time learning in schools now.” This sentiment was echoed by NDP leader Carla Beck who criticized the government’s summer actions, asserting that efforts were focused more on belittling educators rather than enhancing education. Beck also stressed the need for prioritizing the education of the province’s young students.
In an emailed statement, the Ministry defended its stance, asserting that the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee was committed to negotiating in good faith with the aim of procuring a fair deal for the teachers. Hannah, however, warned that a strike could be on the horizon, albeit detrimental to all stakeholders involved.
The STF and the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) have kept the door open for additional talks should a final deal not be brokered by October. In the meantime, Becotte affirmed her dedication to ensuring students receive access to their much-needed support throughout the academic year. With ongoing disputes and added pressure, this new school year in Saskatchewan promises to be anything but usual.
