Saskatchewan's Minister of Education has issued a statement responding to the Arbitration Board's report on the new collective bargaining agreement between the provincial government and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.
"We would like to thank the arbitrator for his work and are pleased that the report was largely in line with what was offered in the previous tentative agreement," said Minister of Education and Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley. "We are looking forward to getting the agreement ratified and moving forward to working on common goals that create the best possible learning environment for Saskatchewan students such as improving k-3 literacy in Saskatchewan schools."
The Ministry of Education's communication department noted they were not planning any media availability on the report at this time.
In a media release and ensuing media availability, the STF stated the issue of class complexity will now be a part of the collective bargaining agreement. That's something the government-trustee bargaining committee (GTBC) had consistently opposed. The STF noted the two bargaining committees will have to decide what language will address that issue in the agreement or they may be back before the arbitration board again for a final decision.
The Arbitration Board also awarded the STF a nine per cent wage increase over three years. That includes retroactive increases for 2023 and 2024, and another increase this year.
The agreement expires August 31, 2026.