Record-Breaking Response to Bargaining Priorities Survey

By Lance Hiltz, STF Communications

When preparations for the next round of provincial collective bargaining kicked off, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation asked members to be informed, engaged and ready to act. Teachers answered the call in record numbers. Over the course of two weeks, more than 47 percent of STF members completed the Provincial Bargaining Member Priority Survey. This beat the previous record of 36 percent, set during the last survey in 2022.

Karen Thomson, senior manager of STF’s Research and Records unit, says this is a significant response rate. “Other organizations are often happy with a response rate in the 15 to 25 percent range for surveys like this, so to reach 47 percent of members is really amazing and gives us a rich set of data from which to work. More responses mean a smaller margin of error and a more statistically accurate sample.”

The bargaining priorities survey is just one of many opportunities teachers had to have their say this fall. Over a series of online meetings, members also provided feedback. This is in addition to consultations held at Labour School, with local association presidents, vice-presidents and local implementation and negotiation committee chairpersons at Local Leadership Gathering, Councillor Conference, local association annual general meetings and school staff liaison gatherings.

STF President Samantha Becotte says this level of participation showcases teachers’ commitment.

“The last round of bargaining was long and tiring, but teachers know that bargaining outcomes can directly impact the support and resources students have access to. We made important gains in the last round, but there is still more work to be done – and teachers clearly understand that.”

The feedback gathered this fall will be refined with research and additional consultations early in 2026. From there, a draft of bargaining proposals will go to the STF Executive. With the Executive’s approval, the document will then go before councillors at the Annual Meeting of Council in April for final approval.

“The priorities must come from the members,” says Associate Executive Director, Labour Relations Patrick Maze. “It is very encouraging to see the high level of engagement that teachers have had in this process so far.”

From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Winter 2025