As strike looms, gov’t wants teachers to return to bargaining table

The head of the Saskatchewan Government Trustee Bargaining Committee says it’s unfortunate that teachers across Saskatchewan will walk off the job for a one-day strike on Tuesday.

“That is not desirable,” said Don Hoium, committee chair. “It is the prerogative of the teachers’ bargaining committee to do what they’re doing. We don’t agree that’s the route to go.”

He said while the Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation takes action, the province remains ready to go back to the bargaining table.

“The GTBC remains open to negotiations at any time,” Hoium added. “We are available to engage in conversations at any time.”

STF president Samantha Becotte previously said that two of the issues that need to be included in negotiations are class sizes and classroom complexity. But that’s not something the provincial government wants to tackle with the union.

“In Saskatchewan, with our bargaining framework, that is not a bargainable item,” said Hoium.

“We are hopeful that they will change their course,” said Becotte. “We’ve offered the opportunity for them to come with their own solutions.”

Hoium noted that the provincial bargaining framework applies to all teachers, and includes salary and benefits, but not limits on class size and complexity.

“Given the diversity of our province, when it comes to programming that is a matter for local officials to determine how they want to allocate funds to deliver programming in the school divisions. We do not see this as being a one-size-fits-all initiative. And it is one which remains with elected officials to determine,” he said.

It appears as though binding arbitration won’t be an option, either. Hoium was adamant that an agreement would be reached during negotiations, one way or another.

“Bargaining is a process, and simply because one side makes a demand it does not mean that that then becomes a bargainable item,” he said.

It’s not clear whether the STF will continue its strike in another form after Tuesday, or if other measures will be taken.

Hoium simply said the GTBC does not support sanctions.

“Over time, we will reach an agreement,” he said.