Cockrill Refuses Olive Branch Extended by STF

by

Jeff Richards

In Saskatchewan, tensions between teachers and the provincial government have escalated as contract negotiations hit another roadblock. The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) issued a notice of rotating noon-hour supervision withdrawal for March 18 and 19, following Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill’s refusal to engage in binding arbitration regarding class size and complexity issues. The STF had offered additional time for families to make arrangements, but the province’s rejection of arbitration means ongoing job action.

STF President Samantha Becotte expressed disappointment, stating that the Minister’s refusal to address class size and additional student supports in the collective agreement directly impacts teachers’ working conditions. Cockrill, however, maintains that these issues should not be part of the contract negotiations.

At it’s root this latest impasse comes down to the scope of bargaining rights. While the STF insists on addressing classroom concerns in the negotiation process, the government remains firm in its stance against binding arbitration – using strong arm tactics to have the Saskatchewan School Boards Association Agree to a new funding model that circumvents the involvement of teachers in the process.

With no end in sight for the ongoing conflict – and a number of high profile arts and sport events on the schedule for Saskatchewan Students – the union appears to be suggesting an end to the growing unrest amongst it’s members and a widening divide between educators and this province’s politicos.

Minister Cockrill said yesterday – that if students are forced to miss extracurriculars in the immediate future – it’s the province’s teachers who are on the hook.

The list of school divisions subject to sanctions next week is as follows:

March 18th: Removal of Noon Hour Supervision

•North East Teachers’ Association – All schools in North East School Division
•Prairie Spirit Teachers’ Association – All schools in Prairie Spirit School Division
•Regina Catholic Schools Teachers’ Association – All schools in Regina Catholic Schools Division

March 19: Removal of Noon Hour Supervision

  • Christ the Teacher Teachers’ Association – All schools in Christ the Teacher Catholic School Division
  • Good Spirit Teachers’ Association – All schools in Good Spirit School Division
  • Île-à-la-Crosse Teachers’ Association – All schools in Île-à-la-Crosse School Division
  • Northern Area Teachers’ Association – All schools in Northern Lights School Division
  • Prairie South Teachers’ Association – All schools in Prairie South School Division
  • South East Cornerstone Teachers’ Association – All schools in South East Cornerstone School Division
  • Sun West Teachers’ Association – All schools in Sun West School Division
  • Tri-West Teachers’ Association – All schools in Living Sky and Light of Christ Catholic school divisions and Sakewew High School (North Battleford)

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