(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Mediated Talks

Mediated talks continuing between North East School Division and CUPE

Jun 2, 2023 | 4:00 PM

The North East School Division (NESD) is optimistic a deal can be reached before education support workers decide to go on strike.

The Division and CUPE 4875, which is representing 320 employees, have met multiple times over the past couple of weeks for mediation after the two sides hit a bargaining impasse.

Stacy Lair, the Director of Education for NESD, told northeastNOW their goal is to find a deal that works for both sides as a strike is the last thing anybody wants.

“We’re hopeful of that and hope that’s the goal of the members,” she said. “We’re in education, the division as well as our CUPE members, we realize the significance of any kind of strike action and what that would impact.”

When CUPE announced that there had been a bargaining impasse, they mentioned that the main concern was pay. They claim the average pay per hour for NESD education support workers is $21.42 while adding that other school divisions in the province reportedly offer their employees a higher wage.

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Lair explained she wouldn’t say what’s currently being discussed as the two sides have an agreement in place not to share the specifics of the meetings. What she did say is that they’re taking the situation very seriously.

“Our CUPE members are very important in our school division,” Lair added.

Meanwhile, CUPE sent a letter to its members after the last mediated meeting.

Just like the NESD, they explained they wouldn’t be sharing details on what exactly was discussed.

“There was a lot of discussion around what options were available. We did not come to a (resolution) but are working through some ideas,” the letter read.

Included in the meeting was Kristin Anderson, the Executive Director of Labour Relations and Mediation with the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.

The next meeting is scheduled for Jun. 7.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow