The Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation (STF) has suspended all job action following an invitation from the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) to resume negotiations.

The GTBC extended the invitation late Wednesday, citing a new mandate from the provincial government. Both parties are set to convene on Monday, February 12, in Saskatoon to restart discussions.

“We welcome the opportunity to return to the bargaining table to discuss teachers’ proposals and the important issues facing education in Saskatchewan,” says STF President Samantha Becotte. “We are hopeful that the GTBC’s new mandate will allow for productive negotiations to address the needs of students and teachers.”

In response, the STF has suspended all planned job action effective immediately.

As a result of this suspension, the scheduled provincewide withdrawal of noon-hour supervision, initially planned for Thursday, February 8, has been cancelled. Teachers who typically provide noon-hour school supervision will resume their duties on Thursday.

Becotte said that suspending job action is a step towards fostering a productive dialogue between the STF and the GTBC.

We are encouraged by this change in course,” Becotte says. “The solidarity of teachers and the outpouring of support from parents, students, businesses, churches and, religious groups and the general public across the province have played a crucial role in helping bring government back to the table. These past weeks have made it clear that teachers are united and committed to students and public education. Should these negotiations fail, job action will resume.”

The resumption of negotiations offers hope for resolving the ongoing dispute, which has seen educators across the province engage in various forms of job action in recent weeks.