Saskatchewan teachers, government reach agreement

Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) and the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee have finalized a new provincial collective agreement, ending nearly two years of heated negotiations and teacher job action. 

Education Minister Everett Hindley says the deal provides stability for educators, students, and families across the province.

"We appreciate the work and collaboration of the bargaining committees to achieve this result and are pleased to have a new agreement that provides certainty for teachers, students, and their families," said Hindley. 

"Our government recognizes the important role of teachers and we look forward to working on common goals in support of Saskatchewan's education system."

The agreement runs from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2026, and  addresses the controversial issue of class complexity. 

STF President Samantha Becotte says that adding class complexity is a significant step forward.

“This Agreement is good news for teachers and good news for students, their families, and the future of Saskatchewan. Everyone benefits from high-quality public education,” said Becotte. 

“Teachers made it clear throughout a hard-fought round of bargaining that class complexity must be part the next provincial collective agreement. That is now a reality thanks to the tenacity of our members and the widespread public support for public education and the work of teachers. While it won’t solve all the issues related to class complexity, we believe this Agreement is a positive first step toward ensuring students and teachers have the support they need.”

The arrangement includes a $20 million annual class complexity fund and allocates resources for hiring more than 500 new teachers. 

Salary increases of nine percent over three years have also been awarded: four percent retroactive to September 1, 2023, three percent retroactive to September 1, 2024, and two percent starting September 1, 2025.

The Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) is happy with the deal. 

SSBA President Dr. Shawn Davidson says the agreement allows school divisions to move forward on critical matters, including budgeting.

“We appreciate all the work that the parties have done to come to an agreement resulting in today’s signing in Saskatoon,” said Davidson.

“We know there has been a lot of attention on the negotiation of this agreement, within our sector and from members of the public. School boards can now move forward with the timely implementation of the agreement and focus on a successful conclusion to the 2024-25 school year.” 

“We know there is work ahead for boards related to this agreement,” said Davidson. 

“We are committed to this work and focusing our collective efforts towards every student having the resources they need to thrive.”

With the agreement signed, education stakeholders across Saskatchewan are ready to turn the page and concentrate on providing high-quality public education for students provincewide.