Teachers Advise to Expect Escalation in Job Sanctions

As students, families and teachers begin the February break on Monday, teachers are notifying the public and government to expect an escalation of job sanctions after classes resume on February 26. Teachers will provide a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any further job action.

“Thanks to the people of Saskatchewan, over 52,000 emails and calls have been sent to government officials in just over a month. Each of these has expressed concerns about underfunding in public schools and a deep displeasure with how government is handling the bargaining process. It is alarming that our government is disregarding this overwhelming, unified message from the public. It suggests that they don’t really care about Saskatchewan’s kids or public education, and shows a level of disdain for Saskatchewan’s citizens,” says Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation President Samantha Becotte. “If government does not get serious about bargaining, they can anticipate that job action will not only continue but escalate.

“Government has doubled down on misleading the public, distracting from the serious issues facing students and refusing good faith negotiations. Their behaviour is deeply disrespectful to students and families, the collective bargaining process and the 13,500 teachers of this province,” says Becotte. “Unless they are willing to return to the table and actually negotiate, we have no choice but to continue using the tools available to us to hold them accountable. We know that this is a difficult and stressful situation for families. We want to give them as much notice as we can so that families can prepare. If you are tired of this, as we are, please call your local school board trustee and MLA to voice your concerns.”

Saskatchewan people are encouraged to sign up for www.tellthemtuesday.com and join tens of thousands of people from across the province who are calling on the Government of Saskatchewan and local MLAs to get the government’s bargaining committee back to the table with teachers.