BURNABY — The Canadian Union of Public Employees representing education support workers has reached a tentative agreement that, if ratified, features a 5.5 per cent wage increase over five years, more hours for education assistants and a better health plan.
"We're pleased to conclude a strong agreement that improves education for students and benefits our 27,000 members," said Marcel Marsolais, chairman of the K-12 presidents council.
The tentative agreement was reached with the BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) on Saturday.
"I want to congratulate the support staff unions, led by CUPE, and school districts and BCPSEA on reaching this negotiated framework agreement. It required some tough bargaining but both sides were realistic, flexible and willing to find solutions at the table," said Education Minister Peter Fassbender.
"This agreement is a significant improvement over our last one since increases are provincially funded and will remove pressure on school boards," Marsolais said.
CUPE represents education support workers in 53 school districts throughout B.C. This includes education assistants, secretaries, caretakers, First Nations support workers, IT workers, Strong Start facilitators, trades and maintenance workers, and bus drivers.