STF Council Passes Resolution to Prevent “Double Dipping” for LEADS and STF Staff


On Friday, October 28, councillors voted in favour of the following resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that beginning July 1, 2023, the STRP Plan Text be amended to prohibit LEADS and STF staff positions from collecting a monthly pension from the STRP during periods of re-employment as LEADS and STF staff, and to require that those members suspend their monthly pension and re-enroll as regular contributors to the STRP for the duration of their re-employment as LEADS or STF staff members.

Double dipping for a short period of time (i.e., six months), does not have a significant cost to the plan, however, some school boards have used this flexibility as a recruitment and retention tool at the expense of the plan. In some cases, we have members double dip in excess of eight years, usually in senior positions, which has had a significant cost to the plan. STRP has approximately 175 to 200 members double-dipping annually, including 12 LEADS and Federation staff members.

This change does not apply to teachers who give early notice of superannuation and are able to retire and collect pension for a defined period of time. The change only applies to LEADS and STF staff members.

Provincial Collective Bargaining Information

The STF website has a page for members to access all of the current information and engagement opportunities related to Provincial Collective Bargaining at https://www.stf.sk.ca/teaching-saskatchewan/collective-bargaining.

There are three opportunities to participate in the Virtual Town Halls:

  • November 7 at 4 p.m.
  • November 9 at 7 p.m.
  • November 15 at 8 p.m.

The STF is hosting virtual town halls on Zoom and inviting teachers to attend one of the three meetings. This is a great opportunity to engage in discussion with the provincial bargaining preparation team and help identify member priorities and needs for the upcoming round of bargaining in May 2023.

You can find more information and links to register for the Virtual Town hall meetings at https://www.stf.sk.ca/professional-resources/events-calendar/bargaining-virtual-town-hall

STF COVID-19 Information & Response

If you have questions about Vaccine Policies, Quarantine Leave, Double Duty, Duty to Accommodate and COVID-19 Information & Response and Travel Advice, check the STF COVID-19 Information & Response page where you will find information about these topics and more. There is also a series of frequently asked questions and links to other supports and resources available to teachers who are feeling overwhelmed.

STF Webinar: Teachers In Their First Five Years

On February 24th, the STF is hosting a free Zoom webinar for all teachers in their first to fifth year in Saskatchewan. This will be an opportunity to share important information on the pension and benefit plans, while also giving you an opportunity to network and ask any questions you may have. The webinar will be facilitated by Troy Milnthorp, STF Senior Managing Director, Corporate Fund Services.

There will be 2 Zoom sessions on February 24th at 4pm and 7pm.  Registration is not required.

Go to the STF Website to join the sessions

STF Members and Family Assistance Program

Did you know all STF members have access to the Members and Family Assistance
Program (MFAP) which provides a wide range of mental health supports for
teachers and their family including referrals for work-life solutions, health & wellness
coaching, legal consultation and short term counselling.


If you need support, please call 1-833-485-4245 any time of day, any day of the year

STF Launches Member Support Centre

If you called the STF this September, you have hopefully noticed a more direct and prompt response to your questions as the STF launched the new Member Support Centre to address member concerns. After a 2018 survey found 36% of members identified a need to reduce response times and the number of transfers when calling with an inquiry, the federation began designing a more efficient system of case management and call tracking. After one of the five centre’s representatives collect some information they are now better equipped to connect you with the person best suited to address your questions. When you do have to wait on hold, you are now given the option of a call back.

STF School Re-Opening Advisory

The Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation has put together a document, “School Re-opening Advisory”.

You can find it in your inbox or on the at STF website. The document contains important information about quarantine leave, refusal to work, and duty to accommodate.

If you have any questions or concerns now or in the future, please contact your PSTA President, Scott Woods-Fehr or call the STF Member Support Centre at (306) 373-1660

SASKATCHEWAN TEACHERS’ FEDERATION ANNOUNCES SANCTIONS

March 9, 2020Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Despite acknowledging that complexity and composition of our classrooms is challenging, government remains unwilling to provide adequate support for students across the province.

As a result, the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee will be implementing sanctions beginning Thursday, March 12, 2020.

“It is extremely frustrating that government admits there is a problem, but refuses to address it,” said Patrick Maze, President, Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. “Students are paying the price. Teachers have made it clear that securing adequate classroom resources for students is worth fighting for.”

On February 10 and 11, teachers voted 90.2 percent in favour of sanctions. Under the Restriction of Services sanction, all Federation members will:

  • Continue to provide students with the best possible learning opportunities during the school day.
  • Report to school and provide professional service no more than 15 minutes prior to the start of the school day and not later than 15 minutes after the conclusion of the school day.
  • Continue to provide student supervision such as recess, lunch or bus supervision within the time frame specified above.
  • Not provide any voluntary or extracurricular services.

“We recognize this causes uncertainty, disappointment and frustration for students, parents and teachers,” said Maze. “We had all hoped to avoid this situation. We ask for continued support in urging government to fix the problems its underfunding has created for students across the province.”

The sanction will remain in effect until further notice. The Teachers’ Bargaining Committee remains focused on negotiating an agreement that addresses student need and is deemed acceptable by teachers. Information and updates on sanctions are available at www.stf.sk.ca/teaching-saskatchewan/collective-bargaining/sanctions.