Early childhood educators and a custodian at the child care centre at College of New Caledonia (CNC) have ratified a contract with the non-profit Caledonia Early Care and Learning Centre Society.

“Because of the good relationship between the employer and our members who work at the centre, negotiations were respectful and successful for both parties,” said CUPE 4951 President Lily Bachand.

The agreement includes a professional development fund and a six per cent wage increase in the first year of the two-year contract, effective January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020.

This is the second contract for these workers, who joined CUPE 4951 after the College of New Caledonia was no longer able to provide child care services on their campuses because their mandate focuses on education.

“Caledonia Early Care and Learning Centre provides an amazing facility that is accessed by students at CNC who are studying Early Childhood Education,” said Bachand.

The program provided by CUPE 4951-01 members is in high demand and available to everyone in the community.