CUPE Tentative Agreement Details: Everything You Need to Know

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has reached a tentative agreement with the Ontario government that could end the education labour dispute that has impacted schools across the province. Here are the details you need to know about the agreement:

1. Salary Increases:

The tentative agreement includes salary increases for all CUPE education workers, including custodians, educational assistants, early childhood educators, and office staff. The increases will be spread out over three years, with a 1% increase in the first year, a 1.5% increase in the second year, and a 1.5% increase in the third year.

2. Job Security:

The agreement includes provisions to address job security concerns for CUPE education workers. For example, the agreement includes a letter of understanding that confirms the government`s commitment to no involuntary layoffs during the term of the agreement.

3. Workload:

The agreement includes measures to address workload concerns for CUPE education workers. For example, the agreement includes a commitment to reduce the number of split shifts for educational assistants.

4. Health and Safety:

The agreement includes provisions to address health and safety concerns for CUPE education workers. For example, the agreement includes a commitment from the government to provide training and support for the safe handling of hazardous materials.

5. Retroactive Pay:

The agreement includes retroactive pay for CUPE education workers. The retroactive pay will cover the period from September 1, 2019, to the date of ratification of the agreement.

6. Other Benefits:

The agreement includes other benefits for CUPE education workers, such as improvements to sick leave and bereavement leave.

What Happens Next?

The tentative agreement must be ratified by CUPE members and the Ontario government before it becomes official. The ratification process could take several weeks. If the agreement is ratified, it could bring an end to the education labour dispute that has impacted schools across the province.

In conclusion, the tentative agreement between CUPE and the Ontario government is a positive step forward for education workers in Ontario. While the agreement still needs to be ratified, it offers salary increases, job security, workload improvements, and health and safety provisions for CUPE education workers.