MELFORT — A new contract between the North East School Division and the union that represents its support workers has been signed.
CUPE 4875 has been without an agreement with the school division since Aug. 31, 2022, when it expired.
Highlights of the agreement, according to CUPE 4875's press release, included wage increases of three per cent for 2022, 3.5 per cent for 2023 and 3.5 per cent for 2024. All increases start on Sept. 1
The new contract expires in 2025.
Negotiations between the union and the school division were completed Jan. 19, 2024. Union members voted in favour of the agreement on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, while the division's board of education approved it at its Feb. 13 meeting.
“This agreement recognizes the essential contributions of education support workers and moves us closer to pay equity with other school divisions,” said Debbie Dufault, president of CUPE 4875. “We look forward to working together with the North East School Division to build a bright future for students.”
Heather Shwetz, Superintendent of Human Resources took the recommendation to the NESD board.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with CUPE 4875 that acknowledges the invaluable contributions of education support workers of the North East School Division. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable workplace environment.”
CUPE 4875 has 318 members, with 248 of those full time and 70 part time.
