Teachers at Saskatoon public, Catholic schools to strike Wednesday

Teachers in Saskatchewan are headed to the picket lines again this week.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) announced on Sunday that the following divisions will strike on Wednesday:

• Creighton School Division
• Northern Lights School Division
• Prairie Spirit School Division
• Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
• Saskatoon Public Schools

Last week, the union announced a plan to begin rotating strikes, meaning different divisions will take to the picket lines on different days as contract negotiations with the provincial government remain stalled.

In a statement, STF president Samantha Becotte said the government is wrong in believing it can wait the teachers out.

“Government thinks they can wait us out, but they have failed to account for the most important factors. Teachers are fed up and are united,” said Becotte.

“There is strong and growing support for the action we’re taking because students, parents, businesses and communities know we all deserve better.”

The strike action also includes Conseil des écoles fransaskoises school and Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre teachers who work at a school or regional campus within the geographic boundaries of the school divisions listed above.

Wednesday’s rotating strike involves around 4,300 teachers and will affect classes for nearly 65,300 students.

Becotte said she’s disappointed more action is required.

“I was disappointed at the first job action, and in reality I was disappointed that we had to go to a dispute resolution,” said Becotte. “It is disappointing to see the government continue to refuse and engage in any negotiations and not provide their bargaining the authority to have those conversations beyond their opening proposal.”

On Friday afternoon, about 100 students gathered outside the Legislative Building and staged a rally in solidarity with the teachers, who are embroiled in a contract dispute with the Saskatchewan government.

Becotte said the teachers appreciated the support from the public.

“These are challenging times for everyone,” said Becotte. “We recognize the impacts these actions have on parents and students and we appreciate the support through all of that.”