Parent supports Sask. teachers despite difficulties during strikes

Schools across the province are going without lunch-hour supervision on Friday after negotiations between the government and Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation stalled this week.

Teachers are also resuming rotating strikes in a number of divisions around the province.

Danielle Favreau, a Saskatoon parent, said she is behind the teachers’ decision to move forward with the withdrawal and resume strikes, but said it makes things tricky for parents.

“It’s a tough situation. I support teachers – I can see some of the challenges they’re experiencing in classrooms,” said Favreau, a mother of two kids who go to school in Saskatoon.

“I can definitely empathize, but at the same time it’s tough when they go on strike.”

Teachers and supporters picket in Saskatoon during a single-day strike in January. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Favreau said she hopes the two sides can get back to the table and work out a deal.

On days where her kids have to stay home, Favreau said she is pretty fortunate to not have to change her schedule too much.

“I work from home, and I have lots of family in town,” said Favreau. “I get my mom to come over to help out.”

As for Friday, Favreau said the plans from school divisions are a little confusing.

“They say they (the kids) are welcome back in the afternoon, but it doesn’t sound like regular class time,” said Favreau. “I think I’m planning to send the kids back to school. We’ll see how it goes, I guess.”

Favreau said she feels bad for families who don’t have the same flexibility with their schedules.

The strike has been manageable for parents so far, but Favreau said she worries about what will happen if the strike goes on for an extended period.

The teachers’ federation said it understands families will be inconvenienced by not offering noon-hour supervision Friday, but added that it appreciates support teachers have received.

Along with a salary increase, the union wants the province to negotiate on smaller classroom sizes and more in-class support for students with high needs.

– With files from The Canadian Press