Binding Arbitration Board Delivers Historic Decision on Class Complexity
By: Courtney Forseth, STF Communications
The March 4 decision of the Arbitration Board is historic. It marks the beginning of a new opportunity to improve and protect teachers’ working conditions and students’ learning conditions. The Board’s decision to include class complexity provisions in the Provincial Collective Bargaining Agreement settles any debate about whether class complexity can be negotiated provincially and the provisions be built upon in future rounds of bargaining.
“I want to thank the Board for their dedication and professionalism throughout this process,” says STF President Samantha Becotte.
The Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee’s original position was that class complexity had no place in provincial bargaining. Due to the incredible efforts of teachers and outpouring of support from the public, government and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association changed their position and agreed to send the matter to binding arbitration.
“Teachers, students, parents, business owners and everyone else who showed support should feel a great sense of pride,” says Becotte. “It was your collective action and tenacity that made this happen. Everyone who sent their MLA an email, showed up to a demonstration site on strike days, or helped spread the word about the significant challenges students and teachers are facing are responsible for this outcome.”
Highlights: 2023-2026 Provincial Collective Bargaining Agreement
3. Class Complexity
The Board has given the TBC and GTBC 60 days to agree on collective agreement language to implement the below noted provisions as detailed in the arbitration report.
- Each school with a student population of 150 students or more shall have an additional one (1.0) certified teacher to provide support to classroom teachers to address issues related to class complexity.
- Each school with a student population of 75 to 150 students shall have an additional half-time (0.5) certified teacher to provide support to classroom teachers to address issues related to class complexity.
- A class complexity fund shall be created by the Government of Saskatchewan of $20 million per year in addition to all other provincial funding. The fund is to be utilized to assist schools with a student population of less than 75 students to address issues related to class complexity and other emergent issues related to class complexity in schools in the division.
2. Salary
The salary provides an overall increase of nine percent over three years:
- Four percent retroactive to September 1, 2023.
- Three percent retroactive to September 1, 2024.
- Two percent as of September 1, 2025.
The salary increases are to be implemented as soon as practicable.
3. Previously Agreed-To Items
Prior to arbitration, a number of other items were agreed to through negotiations. These include a preamble to recognize Treaty territories and the homeland of the Métis, and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, as well as updates to the following articles:
- Article 4: Allowances for Principals, Vice-Principals and Assistant Principals
- Article 8: Supplemental Employment Benefits
- Article 15: Grievance Procedures
- Various Articles: Items to Support Clarity
More information is available at www.stf.sk.ca > Teaching in Saskatchewan > Collective Bargaining. Member Information Session sign up is available through the Events Calendar.
From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Spring 2025