The Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) met today to discuss the ongoing negotiation impasse. The GTBC proposed a joint request for binding arbitration, which the STF declined.
Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill emphasized the government’s commitment to reaching an agreement that would bring stability and predictability to students, families, and the education sector.
“Binding arbitration represents the best path to get that done. Our priority is to ensure that instructional time and important student activities are not affected any further,” Cockrill stated.
A tentative agreement reached on May 17, 2024, which had been endorsed and recommended by the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee and the STF Executive, was ultimately not ratified by the membership. The GTBC views binding arbitration as the only viable option to move forward and secure a timely resolution, it said.
Despite previously requesting binding arbitration earlier this year, the STF’s leadership has now refused this path, it said.
The GTBC highlighted that almost 20 other public bargaining tables have settled within the government wage mandate, which the STF has now rejected twice. The GTBC criticized the STF’s leadership for planning potential job action, which they argue would disrupt student learning and cancel significant milestones for Saskatchewan students.
The GTBC maintains that binding arbitration would help preserve the quality of education and minimize disruptions for students. They argue that further sanctions would be unfair to Saskatchewan students and families, given the GTBC’s willingness to refer the matter to binding arbitration.
The Government of Saskatchewan reiterated its dedication to supporting students, teachers, and families throughout the negotiation process.
