Sask. teachers' union slams government 'attack ads' amid contract talks
CTV
The head of the union representing Saskatchewan's teachers is accusing the provincial government of utilizing "attack ads" in an attempt to undermine contract negotiations.
The head of the union representing Saskatchewan's teachers is accusing the provincial government of utilizing "attack ads" in an attempt to undermine contract negotiations.
During a virtual news conference on Thursday, Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) president Samantha Becotte used the term to describe a billboard and digital advertising campaign that claims teachers make an average salary of $92,0000.
"This average that they're using isn't accurate," Becotte said.
"I know there's lots of ways to calculate an average but beginning teachers in this province make about $60,000," she said.
She said that in order to reach the $92,000 mark, a teacher needs 10 years of experience and must meet additional education requirements.
The campaign also claims Saskatchewan teachers have the highest average salaries in Western Canada, a conclusion Becotte says was arrived at by "cherry picking" data.
While the ads focus on salary, Becotte said that pay rates are only a "small issue" on the table for the union during this round of negotiations.
