The Halifax Regional School Board has ratified a new collective agreement, with Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5047, at a board meeting held on February 28, 2018.
CUPE is the first union to finalize a collective agreement on behalf of school board workers since the introduction of the Liberal government’s Bill 148, the Public Services Sustainability Act. The union’s previous collective agreement expired on July 31, 2014.
“CUPE is pleased to announce that both parties have ratified the tentative agreement,” says CUPE National representative Karen MacKenzie. “The contract is now being filed with the Nova Scotia Labour Board.”
Union members ratified the tentative agreement at meetings held in February. The agreement addresses issues of importance to CUPE members including changes to the job postings process, lay off protection, seniority with school closures, and protection for library workers/volunteers.
CUPE 5047 represents approximately 1,000 employees of the Halifax Regional School Board, who work as early childhood educators, community outreach workers, educational program assistants, library support specialists, and Aboriginal or African Nova Scotian student support workers.