Legislative Report
(2 June 2011)

Mediator Appointed in Teachers' Dispute

On May 31, 2011, Labour Minister Don Morgan appointed a mediator to find a resolution to the contract dispute with the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF). By doing so, grade 12 students are guaranteed their final exams and graduations will go ahead as planned without any further job action by the STF. This was one of the main concerns of our government.

This is a very encouraging development and hopefully, a positive step by both sides towards resolving their differences.

Our government remains committed to a negotiated contract settlement with the teachers’ union that is fair and competitive for teachers and affordable for taxpayers. To this end, in the last round of bargaining, the government brought more resources to the table, but the impasse remained. At that point, both sides agreed to voluntarily participate in mediation.

If the mediator is unable to obtain consensus to achieve a collective agreement by June 10, 2011, he will prepare a report for cabinet setting out his findings and recommendations to end the dispute. The deadline for that report is June 30, 2011.

We are not just the government for teachers, or any one particular bargaining unit. We have to be the government for all Saskatchewan people. It is our responsibility to ensure we strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and fairness for teachers. Striking that balance will allow the current economic momentum in the province to continue on a platform of balanced budgets and sustainable economic growth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the re-scheduling of events that may have been cancelled, such as track meets or concerts, please contact your local school division.

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Past Legislative Reports