(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Mediated Talks

North East School Division & CUPE hit impasse over wages for education support workers

May 18, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Mediation efforts are starting between CUPE 4875 and the North East School Division (NESD).

The union, which is representing around 320 education support workers, said the two sides have hit a bargaining impasse after two agreements were rejected by their members.

The main concern is wages.

“Education support workers play an invaluable role in our education system, providing vital assistance and support to students and teachers alike. It is disheartening that their dedication and hard work have not been adequately recognized, with years passing without a significant wage increase,” said Debbie Dufault, president of CUPE 4875 and an education assistant with the NESD.

According to CUPE, the average pay per hour for NESD education support workers is $21.42. They claim other school divisions in the province offer their employees a higher wage.

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“With the rising cost of living, our current wages are untenable and undermine the vital contributions these workers make to the success of our schools,” added Dufault.

She explained the NESD is also having a tough time recruiting and retaining staff and believes it’s because of the low wages.

CUPE said the first mediated meeting is happening on Thursday. While members can call for a strike vote at any time, there’s no expectation that it’ll happen during the rest of this school year.

“CUPE 4875 remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with the North East School Division in order to reach a fair and equitable resolution,” said Janice Janzen, CUPE National Representative. “We are eager to resume negotiations with a skilled mediator and find a path forward that recognizes the value of education support workers and addresses our long-standing wage concerns.”

Meanwhile, northeastNOW reached out to the NESD but did not receive a response.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow