REGINA — The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation has announced a province-wide strike for Wednesday March 20, and a withdrawal of extracurricular activities for March 21 and 22. This round of job action is set to affect all districts and regions of the province.
President Samantha Becotte cites the government’s failure to address crucial issues, particularly regarding class size and complexity.
With over 4,000 teachers expected to participate, the strike coincides with the provincial budget announcement, a powerful statement to the government.
Demonstrations are set to take place at the Legislative Building in Regina and various locations province-wide.
“Thousands of teachers will bring the message right to government’s doorstep,” Becotte says. “The Premier and Education Minister are not listening to teachers, and they are not listening to the thousands of parents, caregivers and students who are calling on government to respond to the needs of education.”
The two-day, province-wide withdrawal of extracurricular activities March 21 and 22 means teachers will not provide voluntary services involved in the organization, supervision and facilitation of activities including athletics, non-curricular arts, field trips, student travel, graduation preparations, school clubs and other activities. This includes Hoopla, the provincial high school basketball championships in Moose Jaw, and the Optimist Band Festival in Regina, which are both taking place this week.
