Saskatchewan Teachers Provincial Collective Bargaining Agreement: Understanding the Key Points
The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation and the Government of Saskatchewan have recently reached a new provincial collective bargaining agreement for teachers. The agreement is a culmination of a series of negotiations between the two parties and took into account the concerns of teachers and the financial constraints of the government.
Here are the key points of the new agreement:
1. Salary Increases
Under the new agreement, Saskatchewan teachers will receive a 1% increase in salaries for 2019-2020 and 1.5% increase for 2020-2021. The salary increase is lower than what was asked by the teachers, but it was deemed reasonable and acceptable given the province`s current economic situation.
2. Health Benefits
Health benefits for teachers have been maintained under the new agreement. The government will continue to cover 100% of the cost of an employee`s benefits, including health, dental, and vision care. This is an important benefit for teachers, and the government has recognized its importance by maintaining it.
3. Classroom Conditions
The new agreement also includes provisions for improving classroom conditions for teachers. The government has committed to reducing class sizes in Kindergarten to Grade 3 from 1:22 to 1:17 over the next three years. This is a significant improvement, as it allows teachers to give more individualized attention to students and improve overall student learning outcomes.
4. Professional Development
The agreement includes provisions for professional development for teachers. The government has committed to investing $10 million in teacher professional development over the next three years. This investment will help teachers improve their skills and knowledge, which will ultimately benefit their students.
5. Job Security
The new agreement also includes provisions for job security for teachers. The government has committed to reducing the use of substitute teachers by hiring more permanent teachers. This is an important provision, as it provides job security for teachers and ensures continuity of learning for students.
In conclusion, the new Saskatchewan Teachers Provincial Collective Bargaining Agreement is a significant achievement for teachers and the government. The agreement recognizes the important role that teachers play in the education system and provides them with a fair compensation for their services. It also includes provisions for improving classroom conditions and providing professional development opportunities for teachers. Overall, the agreement is a positive step towards improving education in Saskatchewan.