SASKATOON - It is back to the drawing board for both sides now that Saskatchewan Teachers Federation members have voted 90% against the final offer from the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee.
STF President Samantha Becotte spoke to reporters Friday about the result of the vote that took place May 8 and 9.
“Saskatchewan teachers sent a strong message to government last night. 92 per cent of teachers voted and 90 per cent of those voting rejected the GTBC’s offer. This vote is a clear demonstration of the high level of engagement of teachers throughout this entire process and also shows the resolve that they have to fight for their students and for public education. Following the vote, we extended an invitation to the GTBC asking them to secure a new mandate from the government and the SSBA and return to the table in good faith as soon as possible.”
With the ‘no’ vote result it seems that the issue of classroom size and complexity, which seemed to have been settled before, is now back open. Becotte spoke of comments made by Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill earlier that morning on the issue that classroom complexity would not be included in any new mandate.
“This has consistently been an issue that has been brought forward as a priority not just by teachers, but by students, parents, and members of the public. We want to ensure that all students have access to the supports that they need to be successful in their education.”
Becotte said teachers were “absolutely unified, they continue to show that at meetings, at rallies, but also through this vote. Their engagement is higher than we have ever seen definitely in my experience of being involved with the Federation, but everywhere I go, I hear from teachers about the need to address these issues and they are committed to that, they have said time and time again we can’t back down now. If we can’t see improvements to education in a time when our province is relatively prosperous in the economy, when are we going to see improvements to public education. We are in a crisis and if we can invest in our kids, I’m not sure when this government is going to make that decision.”
She added “we know we aren’t going to solve all the issues around classroom complexity in one round but we’ll continue to advocate for improvement in the years to come. This is a decade long problem, but we need to start addressing it.”
In a statement issued the previous evening, Minister Cockrill had said the "best deal will be reached at the bargaining table, and both sides should immediately agree to return to the table and avoid any further sanctions that could jeopardize instructional time and important milestone events for Saskatchewan students."
Opposition reacts:
The two opposition parties gave their reactions Friday at the Legislature to the vote. NDP Leader Carla Beck said this was “ a resounding rejection from Saskatchewan teachers, and it is so clear that Scott Moe and his education minister have lost the trust of Saskatchewan teachers. After a decade of broken promises and underfunding and disrespect, teachers are standing up and they’re saying enough is enough. We have students in crowded classrooms, students without the supports that they need, students who are short, desks, and textbooks. This is what teachers are fighting for.… this government needs to start getting serious about addressing these very real concerns. Now this is a minister who has tried to vilify teachers, he’s tried to divide them, but clearly his plans did not work.”
Beck also said that “it’s also never been more clear that it’s time for a change. In the short term we’re calling on Scott Moe to get back to the bargaining table bring fair proposals and address classroom size and complexity so that our kids can I resume their activities. But it is obvious that Scott Moe and his minister aren’t up to the task in front of them. And this government has shown us very clearly who they are, and how much they value publicly funded education in this province.”
Sask United Leader Nadine Wilson has issued a statement with respect to the teachers’ vote, and she said the following:
“It is disappointing that the teachers in Saskatchewan voted down the government's ‘final offer.’ People are telling me they are worried because this disagreement has and will continue to affect students. These job actions are having an effect, however it’s the families and students that are feeling the greatest impact. It's important for the teachers and the government to keep talking and come up with a plan that looks after the students' needs and ensures their learning doesn't suffer.”
