After a collaborative and constructive round of bargaining, CUPE 1949 and Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission are announcing the signing of a progressive, precedent-setting collective agreement that bolsters support for employees delivering services to some of Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable people.
“As staff at Legal Aid, we know first-hand how important the work we do is in supporting and securing access to justice in our communities,” said Julia Quigley, president of CUPE 1949. “We are proud to have reached an agreement that recognizes the importance of Legal Aid staff and creates real incentives for them to continue doing their important work.”
The new collective agreement improves wages and working conditions for staff, but also includes important targeted provisions:
- Lawyers and articling students will receive a market supplement to bring them closer to those of Government of Saskatchewan Crown Prosecutors.
- The agreement incorporates problem-solving and alternate dispute resolution options into the agreement.
- The agreement expands vacation options, increases and expands health benefits to temporary staff and introduces an Employee Family Assistance Plan for all staff.
- Parties have also signed a letter of understanding pertaining to career enhancement initiatives for administrative staff.
“The Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission would like to thank our bargaining teams for prioritizing our shared interest in ensuring that our clients continue to have access to inclusive, responsive, and equitable legal services in Saskatchewan. This agreement recognizes the value of the work done every day by our purpose-driven staff,” said Jayne Mallin, CEO, Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission.
The agreement was accepted with 88.6% support from CUPE 1949 members, who are the hard-working lawyers and administrative staff at Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission.