A $20 million fund to tackle classroom complexity has been added to Saskatchewan teachers collective bargaining agreement following a ruling by an arbitration board.
The money aims to address the number of students in each class needing extra support beyond regular teaching.
However, finalizing the language for these provisions is now with both the teachers and government trustee bargaining committees.
If they fail to agree to the classroom complexity, the decision returns to the board.
“This is a hard-won first step to ensure these critical issues will be addressed,” said Samantha Becotte, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF), in a statement.
Becotte praised teachers and families for pushing to improve learning and working conditions, calling the decision “a decade in the making” with significant impacts on public education.
Previously, Saskatchewan and Alberta were the only provinces without contract clauses directly addressing class size, composition, or violence-free workplaces, according to the STF.
Teachers had held rotating strikes and rejected two offers during the past two years marked by disputes over class complexity, size, and wages.
Under the new deal, teachers receive a nine percent salary increase over three years: four percent retroactive to September 1, 2023, three percent starting September 1, 2024, and two percent in 2025.
The panel included arbitrator Danish Ish, a former University of Saskatchewan law dean, alongside nominees from each party.
The STF selected retired educator Dawn Harkness, while the province chose former school director Greg Chatlain.
Becotte called the funding a “milestone” but stressed collaboration is needed to finalize details.
