Sask. teachers call for binding arbitration, province not interested [Video]

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) is calling for binding arbitration to put an end to its five-month stalemate with the government.

In a news release Thursday, the federation said teachers were prepared to immediately suspend job action and proceed with negotiations if the provincial government will agree to the process — which requires the two sides to make their case to a neutral third party who decides that both are bound to comply with.

Federation President Samantha Becotte said if the premier and minister of education don’t agree to this measure — the repercussions are on their hands.

“To put this in clear terms: if the government refuses binding arbitration, then Minister [Jeremy] Cockrill and Premier [Scott] Moe are choosing to cancel school trips, graduation planning, band festivals, Hoopla and so many more of this year’s activities that bring joy to our students and school communities.”

The Education Act previously …