School support staff in Prince Edward Island have successfully concluded negotiations with the provincial education system, securing a wage boost to offset inflation impacts over a two-year period. The deal, reached by CUPE Local 3260, offers employees wage hikes averaging between 18 to 20 percent over three years, including retroactive pay.
Colleen Jackson, President of CUPE Local 3260, expressed satisfaction with the agreement while acknowledging the need for further progress beyond this initial step. The support staff, which encompasses various roles like youth and mental health workers, workplace assistants, among others, now falls under a single contract, a development crucial for ensuring student access to education.
Jackson emphasized the critical role these support staff members play in assisting vulnerable students with diverse needs, including medical, behavioral, and academic support. The contract extension also covers primary support workers focusing on social and emotional development for children in kindergarten through Grade 2.
During negotiations, the union advocated for an additional working hour per day, but the current deal does not incorporate this change. Jackson clarified that while the seventh hour was a priority, the decision to prioritize immediate financial relief for members was paramount. Future talks will likely address the need for an extended workday.
Jackson highlighted the importance of collaboration time, meetings, and preparation, asserting that an extra hour could aid in recruitment, retention, and reducing school violence through enhanced collaboration. The new contract will commence with the upcoming school year in September, with retroactive payments for 2024 and 2025 scheduled for distribution in October.