Director of education Jason Young is being accused of abuse of power by the STF. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

collective bargaining

STF accuses Young of abuse of power, teachers warned not to accept positions with NLSD

Jun 20, 2023 | 5:00 PM

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has placed the Northern Lights School Division (NLSD) as ‘in dispute,’ the first time it has done so to a provincial school division in more than 20 years.

In specific, the STF is accusing Northern Lights Director of Education Jason Young of abuse of power for undermining an ongoing collective bargaining process, which the STF believes amounts to unfair labour practice.

A news release issued by STF on Monday states the Northern Area Teachers’ Association and NLSD recently reached an impasse at the bargaining table while trying to reach an agreement on local benefits and working conditions. It alleged Young then circumvented the negotiating team by communicating the terms of a memorandum of understanding, which was not negotiated at the bargaining table, directly to all NLSD teachers.

“We’ve tried to resolve this dispute through many conversations directly with NLSD Director of Education Jason Young without success,” said STF President Samantha Becotte.

“It’s unfortunate we’ve had to take such a drastic step; however, Mr. Young’s lack of respect for proper process and fair collective bargaining has caused this dispute to drag on needlessly for many months and left us with no other choice.”

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It’s the first time the STF has placed a school division in dispute since 2002, which has only been done 14 times since 1961. Teachers have been advised that applying for or accepting a new position, including as a substitute teacher, while the division is in dispute is a violation of the Code of Collective Interests.

The STF noted its goal is to have both sides return to the table as quickly as possible to finalize a local agreement that is reached through mutual respect and bargaining in good faith.

The federation also added Young has refused multiple requests to rescind his letter and acknowledge it was out of process. If the division continues with this course of action, the STF stated it will have no choice but to pursue legal remedies.

“Northern Area teachers care deeply about the students and families in our schools, the communities where we live and work, our colleagues and local association,” said Northern Area Teachers’ Association President Debbie Banman.

“It is extremely disheartening that Director of Education Jason Young is not willing to work with us to negotiate agreeable solutions to support the teachers in our schools. We call on the division to retract Mr. Young’s June 12 letter, acknowledge that it was improper bargaining practice, return to the table and follow due process going forward.”

larongeNOW reached out to Young, as well as NLSD board chair Richard Petit for comment on this article. Young stated the school division was working on a response, but it wasn’t received by publishing.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno