Saskatchewan Teachers and Province to Enter Binding Arbitration Following months of unsuccessful negotiations, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) and the provincial government have agreed to enter binding arbitration to resolve their collective bargaining dispute. The two sides have been at odds over various issues, including salary increases, working conditions, and benefits. The STF has been seeking a 10% salary increase over three years, while the government has offered a 7% increase. Arbitration is a legal process in which a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, hears evidence from both sides and makes a binding decision. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and both the STF and the government will be legally obligated to accept it. The parties will select an arbitrator from a list provided by the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board. The arbitration hearing is expected to begin in the fall and last several weeks. The decision to enter binding arbitration is a significant step in the dispute resolution process. It indicates that both the STF and the government have reached an impasse and are unable to resolve their differences through direct negotiations. The outcome of the arbitration will have implications for over 13,000 teachers in the province and could potentially set a precedent for other labour disputes in Saskatchewan.Saskatchewan Teachers Federation Agrees to Binding Arbitration, Ending Labor ActionSaskatchewan Teachers Federation Agrees to Binding Arbitration, Ending Labor Action The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has agreed to binding arbitration with the provincial government, ending the ongoing “work-to-rule” labor action and a contract dispute that has lasted for over a year. STF President Samantha Becotte announced the update in a virtual press release on Friday afternoon. She explained that the decision came after receiving written communication from the Government Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) confirming that the “complexity of the classroom” would be within the scope of arbitration. Binding arbitration involves a neutral third party joining the negotiations, listening to both parties’ proposals, and making a decision on the best path forward to end the contract impasse. The industrial action will end at 4 p.m. Friday, and no further sanctions will be imposed, according to Becotte. Becotte expressed disappointment that an agreement could not be reached at the negotiating table but emphasized that binding arbitration provides an opportunity to address the issue of classroom complexity. Over the past five days, the STF held consultations with members and conducted a survey to gauge their interest in binding arbitration. According to Becotte, around three-quarters of teachers supported the move. The STF had previously rejected the province’s binding arbitration offer and declared a deadlock in negotiations on June 5. The province had first proposed binding arbitration in March, which was rejected by the STF. In a statement, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill expressed satisfaction that teachers had directed STF leaders to agree to binding arbitration. He said it would provide predictability for students, families, and teachers as the school year ends while allowing for a path to finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement. The next step in the process will be the joint selection of an arbitrator. The TBC and GTBC will choose their representatives for the panel, which will meet to hear presentations from the negotiating committees. A judgment will then be issued. The timeline for arbitration is uncertain and will depend on the availability of the professionals involved. Teachers across Saskatchewan began implementing “work-to-rule” job sanctions on June 10 after declaring a stalemate in negotiations. On June 12, the STF announced consultations with members on potential paths forward, including binding arbitration. A vote held in May 2023 resulted in 88% of STF members supporting the agreement negotiated with the province, but it was ultimately rejected by 55% of voters. Initial negotiations between the province and the STF began in May 2023, and the teachers’ last contract expired in August 2023.Saskatchewan Teachers, Province Head to Binding Arbitration Saskatchewan educators and the provincial government have reached an impasse in contract negotiations and will now proceed to binding arbitration. The arbitration process will involve a neutral third-party arbitrator hearing evidence from both sides and making a final, legally binding decision on the terms of the new contract. The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has been pushing for improved wages and benefits, while the province has maintained that it must balance the needs of teachers with fiscal constraints. Arbitration is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with a decision anticipated by the end of the year. In the meantime, teachers will continue to work under the terms of their existing contract. The arbitration process is a last resort after negotiations between the STF and the province failed to reach an agreement. Both parties expressed disappointment that they could not resolve their differences at the bargaining table. The arbitration decision will set the stage for the future relationship between teachers and the province, impacting the quality of education and the well-being of those who work in the system.