95% of Sask teachers vote in favour of job sanctions

The majority of teachers in Saskatchewan have shown support for job sanctions after contract negotiations have hit a wall.

The majority of teachers in Saskatchewan have voted in favour of job sanctions after several years of trying to voice their concerns to the Sask. Party government.

The announcement was made in Saskatoon on Friday morning after the negotiations between the Government of Saskatchewan’s Trustee Bargaining Committee and the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee reached a standstill.

The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation said about 90 per cent of teachers cast a vote between Tuesday and Wednesday, adding that if the executive deems sanctions necessary between now and June 30, 2024, this vote will provide support.

“I want to be very clear that an obstinate and out-of-touch government is forcing this situation down an unfortunate path,” said Samantha Becotte, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation.

“Teachers want to negotiate a fair deal at the bargaining table. We are hopeful that the conciliation process will be successful. But the results of this vote send a very clear message. We are united, we are prepared, and we are ready to fight for our colleagues, our students and the families who are struggling in underfunded and under-resourced public schools across Saskatchewan. I want our government to finally listen to what teachers are telling them with this vote: Enough is enough.”

Becotte said that the province refused to budge on matters, but previous statements from the province claim that they are still at the bargaining table in good faith.

Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill posted a video on X (formerly known as Twitter) to say it is important for children to be learning in the classroom and participating in extra-curricular activities.

Cockrill also flaunts the education funding that the Sask. Party has made, touching on new schools built or renovations made.