The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation believes that class size and composition should be discussed when it comes to a new contract.

The provincial government has a different thought on that though. Education Minister Gord Wyant says he is willing to talk about class size, but there are more that have to be involved in those discussions than just the STF.

“My offer to the STF is a committment to sit down at a provincial table and have these conversations.” Wyant told reporters at the Legislature. “Its greater than the STF. It involves not just trustees and teachers, but parents as well.

STF President Patrick Maze says he is glad to hear Wyant come out and say class size and composition is important, but that the issue must be brought forward as the two sides talk contract.

“This work must be part of the provincial collective bargaining agreement to ensure accountability.” Maze said.

The back and forth comes as the two sides continue to talk on a new contract with neither side wanting to budge.

The province is offering teachers a $1,500 bonus funded from their health plan surplus this year followed by a raise in 2020 and 2021 of two per cent. The STF is looking for a two per cent raise this year and three per cent in each of the next two.