St. Margaret’s School and the union have come to a tentative agreement for the teachers and support staff, though a ratification vote still needs to take place.
Two weeks ago, the union members voted 88 per cent in favour of job action, which both the union and school said came with the possibility of disrupting end-of-year celebrations.
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The school says it and the Professional Employees Association held multiple bargaining sessions before meeting with a mediator.
“We are all breathing a sigh of relief because no one wanted to destabilize year end activities for our students,” said Sharon Klein, head of the school in a news release. “Ratification of this agreement will mean our students can hold graduation ceremonies, compete in soccer provincials and complete their academic year uninterrupted.”
Rhiannon Bray, PEA labour relations officer says the results of the ratification vote will be known on June 6.
“We signed a tentative agreement that needs ratification from all areas of school, including teachers, education assistants, early childhood educators, support staff, and boarding parents. The strong resolve and support of the membership enabled a better agreement for the whole school,” said Bray in an email statement.
The school says it will not release details of the agreement, but the PEA previously said wages, work intensification and extended health benefits not being addressed was what led to the strike vote.
“St. Margaret’s teachers and staff are integral to our success and deserve to be treated with fairness, respect and equity,” Klein said. “We believe this agreement does all of those things.”
Laura Brougham
