After attempting to reach a deal with the provincial government that addresses class size and complexity for seven months, teachers across Saskatchewan have decided to go on strike for one day, on Tuesday, January 16th.

Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation President Samantha Becotte says teachers are reluctant to take this action, and she hopes that one day of striking is enough to bring the province back to the bargaining table.

“We can avoid taking this action. At any time, if government is willing to discuss longer term commitments to address class complexity, teachers will return to the table,” Becotte announced. “We will go back morning, night, weekends, we will go and have those conversations any time they are will to at any point discuss class complexity and making commitments to teachers.”

The STF has decided to give a five-day notice ahead of the strike, instead of just the legal requirement of 48 hours.

“We are giving plenty of notice, because we are approaching this in good faith. We are approaching this in the hopes that government will take teachers seriously, take the process seriously, renew their mandate, and get back to the table so that we can avoid any action,” she stated.

Becotte acknowledged that strikes could create challenges for working parents when it comes to making arrangements for their child, but she hopes that they can be understanding, as the STF is fighting for their children’s education.