The Saskatchewan Teacher's Federation has provided a 48-hour notice for a province-wide strike this Wednesday, March 20.

As well, teachers will take part in a two-day withdrawal of extracurricular activities on Thursday, March 21, and Friday, March 22.

“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,” says STF President Samantha Becotte, “Teachers have done their part to avoid more job action. 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 will coincide with the announcement of the provincial budget.

Over 4000 teachers from across the province will be at the legislative building in Regina as part of a demonstration, with others demonstrating in areas across the province.

 “Thousands of teachers will bring the message right to government’s doorstep,” Becotte says, “The Premier and Education Minister are not listening to teachers, and they are not listening to the thousands of parents, caregivers and students who are calling on government to respond to the needs of education.”

The two-day, provincewide withdrawal of extracurricular activities will not provide voluntary services involved in the organization, supervision, and facilitation of activities including athletics, non-curricular arts, field trips, student travel, graduation preparations, school clubs, and other activities.

This includes Hoopla, the provincial high school basketball championships in Moose Jaw, and the Optimist Band Festival in Regina, which are both taking place this week.