The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) is announcing the 48-hour notice of a pending one-day strike that will be province-wide on Wednesday, March 20.
Wednesday's strike action will be followed by a two-day withdrawal of all extracurricular activities on Thursday, March 21, and again on Friday, March 22.
The 48 hours of notice is provided as a legal requirement before the onset of strike action.
“Government’s unwillingness to work with teachers in finding any path forward has forced this decision, which will impact students and communities both big and small across the province,” announced Samantha Becotte, president of the STF.
“Teachers have done their part to avoid more job action," Becotte said in an official statement. "We have bargained in good faith, and we have been clear that our opening proposals are only a starting point for discussion. We invited government to take part in binding arbitration on the single issue of class size and complexity, but the education minister rejected the offer within hours.
"The refusal of Minister Cockrill and Premier Moe to compromise are to blame for the strike and students’ loss of extracurricular activities in the days to come."
The one-day strike coincides with the announcement of the provincial budget, and more than 4,000 teachers are expected to take part in a demonstration at the Legislative Building in Regina. Across the province, hundreds more will demonstrate in their local communities.
Supporters are encouraged to join in with the demonstrations and the gesture will help send the message that proper funding for education is not just a concern for teachers.
“We are fighting to improve the learning conditions for all students across Saskatchewan,” Becotte said.
