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The binding arbitration board has determined that class complexity will now be part of the provincial collective bargaining agreement with teachers in Saskatchewan. This marks a significant development in the ongoing negotiations between the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) and the provincial government, which commenced in December 2024 following extensive discussions and job actions over more than a year and a half.
The STF has long advocated for the inclusion of class size and complexity issues in the new contract, while the provincial government has maintained that such matters would be more suitably addressed by local school boards.
“The collective efforts of numerous individuals across the province have highlighted the challenges facing students in Saskatchewan,” stated STF president Samantha Becotte. “This represents an important first step in ensuring that these critical matters are prioritized.”
According to Becotte, “This decision has been a decade in the making and will greatly affect students, educators, and the future trajectory of public education in Saskatchewan. I am continually motivated by the dedication of teachers and families in this province, striving to enhance the learning environments for students and the working conditions for teachers.”
In their resolution, the arbitration board has instructed both the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee and the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee to collaborate on formulating language for the class complexity clauses in the agreement.
The STF indicated that if the two parties are unable to reach a consensus, the matter will be escalated back to the arbitration board for further deliberation. “We look forward to collaborating with the GTBC to finalize this critical agreement,” Becotte added. “We appreciate the commitment and professionalism that the Board showed during the process.”
A new fund dedicated to class complexity, amounting to $20 million annually, will be established and will supplement existing provincial funding.
In terms of salary adjustments, teachers will receive a total increase of nine percent over a three-year period: this includes a four percent raise retroactive to September 1, 2023, followed by a three percent increase retroactive to September 1, 2024, and a two percent raise effective September 1, 2025.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Source
globalnews.ca