REGINA - It is confirmed an agreement has been signed between the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee and the Teachers' Bargaining Committee.
According to a news release from the province, the GTBC consisting of the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, and the Teachers' Bargaining Committee representing Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, signed the new collective agreement. The deal officially ends the long labour dispute involving Saskatchewan teachers that saw significant labour disruption during 2024.
The dispute was eventually referred to an arbitrator. The conclusion of a new agreement comes only a few weeks after the arbitrator ruled in favour of the teachers in including language on classroom size and complexity in the final agreement.
The new agreement covers the period from Sept. 1, 2023 until Aug. 31, 2026.
"We appreciate the work and collaboration of the bargaining committees to achieve this result and are pleased to have a new agreement that provides certainty for teachers, students and their families," Education Minister Everett Hindley said in a statement.
"Our government recognizes the important role of teachers and we look forward to working on common goals in support of Saskatchewan's education system."
“This Agreement is good news for teachers and good news for students, their families and the future of Saskatchewan. Everyone benefits from high-quality public education,” said STF President Samantha in a statement.
“Teachers made it clear throughout a hard-fought round of bargaining that class complexity must be part the next provincial collective agreement. That is now a reality thanks to the tenacity of our members and the widespread public support for public education and the work of teachers. While it won’t solve all the issues related to class complexity, we believe this Agreement is a positive first step toward ensuring students and teachers have the support they need.”
According to STF, the collective agreement was finalized last week after the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee and GTBC agreed to language on the class complexity article, as mandated by the Arbitration Board. The final agreement includes a class complexity fund of $20 million per year, as well as provisions to hire additional teachers to address issues of class complexity. STF says over 500 new teaching positions are estimated to be created across the province.
The arbitrator also awarded salary increases of four percent retroactive to Sept. 1, 2023; three percent retroactive to Sept. 1, 2024; and two percent as of Sept. 1, 2025.
“The TBC appreciates last week’s discussions with the GTBC and its commitment to ensuring this Agreement was signed quickly,” Becotte said.
