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By CJME News

SASK. TEACHERS

Teachers accuse government of ‘misleading’ ad campaign during contract talks

Jul 28, 2023 | 1:21 PM

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) is accusing the Scott Moe government of a “misleading and ridiculous” billboard campaign.

Contract talks are underway between the two sides and the billboards maintain that Saskatchewan teachers are among the highest-paid in Western Canada with average salaries of $92,000 per year.

“What a waste of time and money,” STF president Samantha Becotte said. “They’ve proven once again they don’t care about students and their learning environment and instead want to create division by suggesting teachers are the villains.”

The STF began negotiations on a provincewide agreement for roughly 13,000 K-12 teachers in June. The union put forward what it calls a detailed salary package, and a series of proposals aimed at reducing overcrowded classrooms, added support for children who need special services, and classroom violence.

“The government is refusing to even bargain on these issues, and I think that’s unconscionable,” Becotte said. “Years of cuts and funding below the rate of inflation has created a host of problems that require urgent attention. The government just wants to sweep this under the rug, and I don’t think we should let that happen. Students, their families and the people of Saskatchewan frankly deserve better.”

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The STF maintains it takes 10 years before the average Saskatchewan teacher makes $92,000 a year. Becotte calls that an “unpleasant shift in tone’ at the bargaining table.