Late last week, CUPE members who work throughout the Chinook School Division in southwest Saskatchewan voted over 90 per cent in favour of the latest deal negotiated with the division.
“The Sask. Party’s cuts have put the school division in a tough spot but, by working together and – unlike the government – putting the students in Saskatchewan’s schools first, we’ve come to an agreement that we can all be proud of,” said Omar Murray, president of CUPE 4754, which represents support workers in the Chinook School Division.
After deep Sask. Party cuts, the last round of bargaining left wages frozen. This new deal brings in a seven per cent increase over four years and additional economic considerations for bus drivers and custodians. The successful collapse of the pay grid from eight steps to four means that new workers will have their experience and commitment recognized and compensated more quickly and will achieve their full payment structure sooner.
“The funding just isn’t there to do all that we know is needed but this new deal is an important step forward,” said Murray. “I want to thank everyone involved in the bargaining process. CUPE members will continue to advocate and fight for proper funding for education across Saskatchewan – not just for workers but for the children we work to help learn and thrive every day.”