After an arbitration board ruled today on a three-year contract that would freeze teacher wages for two years followed by a one per cent increase in the third year, Saskatchewan NDP leader Ryan Meili called out the Sask. Party government’s continued poor treatment of our province’s teachers.
“This contract settlement is just further evidence of this government’s lack of commitment to education and lack of respect for the men and women who teach our children,” Meili said. “The government tried to cut teachers’ wages and the only thing that stopped them was the arbitrator’s decision.”
In the wake of the arbitration board’s decision, the Saskatchewan NDP renewed its call for the government to fully restore the $78 million they’ve cut from education over the past two years. That shortfall has meant cuts in the classrooms, and teachers and educational assistants not being able to give needed time to students who are struggling.
“Putting $30 million back into education after cutting $54 million last year doesn’t cut it,” said NDP Education Critic Carla Beck. “If someone takes $20 from your school’s bake sale fund, then puts back $15 when you complain, you wouldn’t thank them.
“The reality the Sask. Party refuses to see is that teachers are working in increasingly complex classrooms and because of this government’s cuts to our schools are unable to give students the proper attention they need.”