INNISFAIL – A new memorandum of agreement between the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is good news for students across the school division, both sides say.
“RDCRS is pleased to announce the successful ratification of a new memorandum of agreement with CUPE Local 417, representing our valued educational assistants, librarians, and school secretaries,” RDCRS acting superintendent Ryan Ledene told the Albertan.
“This agreement, achieved through collegial negotiations, reflects our shared commitment to the dedicated individuals who play a vital role in supporting our students and school communities.
“We look forward to the continued positive contributions of these employees under this new agreement, which includes wage increases, improved working conditions, and a commitment to exploring a defined benefit pension plan.”
In a news release, CUPE Local 417 officials said the union is pleased to announce the ratification of a new agreement with RDCRS, representing union members of unit 417-08 who work as educational assistants, librarians, and school secretaries in the division.
Key highlights of the agreement include a wage increase of three per cent retroactive to expiration of the previous agreement, guaranteed annual wage increases for the duration of the new agreement, the elimination of Step 0 wage rates, the subsequent raising of casual hourly rates to Step 1, the union said.
The agreement also includes a “commitment from RDCRS to explore a defined benefit pension plan, the reduction of the probationary period for new employees to six months down from ten, and two Letters of Understanding for the creation of a labour management committee and an OH&S committee respectively.”
The agreement was achieved as a “result of simultaneous action from other CUPE unions across Alberta, firmly negotiating with their respective employers for increased wages and improved working conditions.
“CUPE Local 417 would like to express gratitude to and solidarity with these fellow unions, and congratulate them on their associated wins.”
Union members are “committed to working side by side with like-minded organizations to fight for justice, dignity, and respect in workplaces across central Alberta.”
The Red Deer based 10,400-student RDCRS includes schools in Innisfail and Olds.
