SASKATOON –Just as the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association announced the cancellation of Hoopla, the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation issued a statement reiterating its call for arbitration.
STF President Samantha Becotte said the union has provided government with multiple off-ramps to end sanctions and ensure that activities and events such as Hoopla, the Regina Optimist Band Festival, the Skills Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Competition, and more could take place as originally planned.
“We are deeply disappointed that government simply refuses to meet teachers halfway.”
Becotte went on to say, “This government has the power to immediately end all job action by either agreeing to binding arbitration on the contentious issue of class size and complexity or providing the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee with a mandate to negotiate that issue. Arbitration provides a fair and objective path for resolution of this issue, and we are confident that negotiations on all other issues could be resolved quickly.”
Wednesday afternoon, the SHSSA announced they would cancel Hoopla, but would invite qualifying teams to a one-day provincial championship in Moose Jaw.
The SHSSA release stated, “Due to the withdrawal of extra-curricular on Thursday, March 21 and Friday, March 22, all SHSAA activities are cancelled on those dates.”
The release signed by Dave Sandomirsky, executive director, stated, “Through discussions with both groups involved in the negotiations, SHSAA was unable to determine if there would be any immediate solution to the impasse; therefore, it is with regret that HOOPLA 2024 is cancelled.”
