When it comes to the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, there is one topic that has been consistently in the headlines: the collective agreement negotiated between the division and its teachers.

A collective agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for a group of employees. In the case of the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, the collective agreement covers teachers, educational assistants, and other support staff.

The most recent collective agreement, which was negotiated for the period of September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2022, contains a number of important provisions. Some of the key points include:

– Salary increases: The agreement provides for incremental increases in salaries for all employees over the four-year period. The exact amount of the increases varies depending on the employee`s level of experience and educational qualifications.

– Benefits: The agreement outlines the benefits available to employees, including health and dental coverage, sick leave, and bereavement leave.

– Hours of work: The agreement sets out the standard hours of work for teachers and support staff, as well as provisions for overtime pay and scheduling.

– Professional development: The agreement includes provisions for professional development opportunities for teachers and support staff, including courses and workshops.

Negotiating a collective agreement is a complex process that requires both the employer and the employees` union to engage in a give-and-take discussion. In the case of the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, negotiations for the most recent agreement took over a year to complete.

The collective agreement is an important document for both the school division and its employees. It ensures that employees are fairly compensated for their work and that they have access to important benefits and professional development opportunities. At the same time, the agreement helps the school division to attract and retain skilled and experienced teachers and support staff.

In conclusion, the collective agreement negotiated between the St. James-Assiniboia School Division and its employees is a critical document that has a significant impact on the working conditions and compensation of teachers and support staff. As the school division moves forward, it will be important to continue to prioritize fair and productive negotiations between the parties involved.