Inside the STF’s First-Ever Labour School
By: Lance Hiltz, STF Communications
This August, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation welcomed teachers to its first-ever Labour School. From August 20 to 22, a group of approximately 50 STF members gathered for three days of learning, conversations and collaboration, with the ultimate goal of building the Federation’s base of highly engaged and informed members in preparation for the next round of provincial collective bargaining in the spring. Since space was limited, STF members were selected to take part in the sessions through an application process last spring.
Labour School helps teachers develop the knowledge and skills to support themselves, their colleagues and strengthen the Federation. (Jordan Trask/STF Photo)
“I am first and foremost a learner,” says Brienne Seery, teacher and president of the Tri-West Teachers’ Association, about what made her want to apply for Labour School. “I am a professional learning junkie. I want to learn bargaining strategies and good strategies to engage our members. I became a school staff liaison in 2017 and an STF councillor in 2021. Anything that we can do to strengthen our local associations is excellent, and anything that I can learn about STF governance is always greatly appreciated.”
The initiative was developed to share resources with STF members to help navigate the complex world of labour relations, including local and provincial bargaining, so that teachers know their rights and how to advocate for the proper supports for students.
“Labour School is about building capacity among teachers and leaders,” says STF President Samantha Becotte. “Teachers deal with many complex issues within their classrooms, and there is a complex world of politics, funding and bi-level bargaining that impacts learning and working conditions every day. Labour School helps develop the knowledge and skills needed to be able to support themselves, support their colleagues and strengthen the Federation as a whole.”
The first Labour School agenda was full of informative and inspiring speakers. The event opened with a keynote from Keir Vallance, a labour and employment lawyer who is also an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Vallance offered insight into the history of unions and collective bargaining. Former STF Executive Director and Manitoba’s current commissioner of teacher professional conduct, Bobbi Taillefer, shared a keynote on member mobilization and the challenges of leadership.
Gary Bainbridge, who specializes in labour law, presented a comprehensive scan of the Education Act, 1995 and provincial legislation for teachers. Labour School also included presentations and workshops on organizing and engaging members; education policy and the political landscape; communications and advocacy; an analysis of Saskatchewan’s strong economy and labour market; and employers’ legal responsibilities.
Sessions concluded with an in-depth look at provincial bargaining, led by STF Executive Director Angela Banda and Associate Executive Director Patrick Maze.
“Everyone came together with a shared interest in labour relations and the issues that are important to teachers not just across Saskatchewan, but also across the country,” says Maze. “By doing that, we’re recognizing future leaders and working with current leaders to support members. We’re inviting people to think about what it means to be part of a union, to organize and be involved.”
Banda says there are increasing pressures in the public education sector, and a strong collective that understands their rights, employers’ obligations and bargaining are essential to securing a better public education system for students.
“We need strong voices at every level of our organization,” says Banda. “Labour School equips teachers not only with the skills to be effective advocates, but also with the confidence to stand up for their profession and each other. True solidarity means every member stepping up, speaking out and standing together. It’s about recognizing that every teacher has the power to lead – and ensuring they have the tools to achieve meaningful change, side by side.”
Members who are interested in attending next year’s Labour School are encouraged to connect with their local association president and watch for applications to open next spring.