The Teachers Bargaining Committee has responded to the new contract offer recently presented by the Government Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC).

The Teachers Bargaining Committee stated they respectfully decline the GTBC’s three year offer which outlined a salary increase, but reportedly “the Government-Trustee proposals did not address classroom size and composition, a key issue for teachers”.

The three-year offer outlined that full-time teachers would receive $1500 this year, in addition to the one per cent salary increase that was instated at the end of August. Additionally, they would receive a two per cent salary increase in both years two and three for a four per cent increase in total.

Yesterday, Patrick Maze, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation said, “Class size and composition are provincial issues and the Federation stands firm they should be addressed at the bargaining table; not through a series of one-offs that can lead to different sets of standards based on postal code.” He added, “While the Education Minister stated he is interested in addressing these concerns, we are disappointed he doesn’t believe they have a place in these negotiations.”

According to the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, teachers have made it clear that class size and composition are as important as salary. They stated the Teachers Bargaining Committee, “will not take any offer back to teachers that does not address these two issues.”

Bargaining talks are set to continue for the committees on September 25 and 26 in Saskatoon.