Negotiations with the Cree School Board (CSB) and the Kativik School Board (KSB)
Negotiations with the school boards are progressing slowly; this is even more obvious with the CSB, where management refuses any compromise on our demands.
Given the state of negotiations at all four tables, unless there is a dramatic about-face on the part of management, it would be amazing if we get an agreement-in-principle before the holidays, especially at the CSB tables.
Looking back at what we have agreed on, there is no reason to believe that our members would vote in favour of tentative agreements since management shows no overture to our demands related to regional disparities and nothing has yet been settled to improve the day-to-day work situation of our support staff. It is no El Dorado either for the teachers.
For our four Negotiating Tables:
The employer has not opened up to any of our demands related to regional disparities;
As for improving the grievance arbitration system, which continues to be a gruelling process when it comes to addressing our grievances before an arbitrator, the employer had not responded to our demands either;
In more detail:
Table E3 – CSB Teaching Staff:
We are currently integrating gains on the workload from the national sectoral agreement including mentor teacher, supervision by other employment groups and professional integration;
Simplification of Chapter 13 for Vocational Training;
Mechanism for obtaining special needs services, still not settled;
Supervision of student teachers, still not settled;
Still no openness to a more flexible use of bereavement leaves.
Table E4 – KSB Teaching Staff:
We are currently integrating gains on the workload from the national sectoral agreement including mentor teacher, supervision by other employment groups and professional integration;
Improvement of the mechanism for obtaining special needs services;
Still no openness to a more flexible use of bereavement leaves.
Table S8 – CSB Support Staff:
Employer’s demand still on the table: allow suspensions without pay for criminal charges.
Table S9 – KSB Support Staff:
The employer still wants to extend the probationary period, facilitate dismissals in case of recurrence of long-term absences, and force the employees to take their breaks on the work premises.
Tables S8 and S9 – CSB and KSB Support Staff:
Access to the professional development fund for all support staff, regardless of their employment status, and an increase in the money paid into the fund;
Employer’s contribution to the enhanced health insurance premium for temporary employees;
Presence of a support staff member to local special needs committees.
Mobilization
It is clear that if members want substantial gains, particularly in terms of regional disparities, there must be significant and ongoing mobilization in all of our schools and centres. For now, we are asking our members to wear a black T-shirt every Tuesday and Thursday. Buttons have also been sent to delegates. We urge you to wear them! The purpose of this visibility action is to demonstrate to management that our members are eager to see their working conditions improved.
We also still have up our sleeve a strike mandate of up to four days since we already held a one-day strike in April 2021. Remember that we had obtained a strong mandate from our members for the equivalent of 5 strike days. We may choose to hold an innovative strike, i.e., a ninety-minute strike during a workday, either mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Strike Fund
If we go on strike again, the daily compensation has been increased to $130. If we opt for an innovative strike, the compensation would be lower but it would still be quite substantial. The timeframe needed to issue the cheques would not be as long as last spring.
AENQ Facebook Page
If you haven’t already, we invite you to follow us on Facebook. When you ask to join the group, make sure your name is recognizable so that we can validate that you are indeed a member of the AENQ (CSQ) before confirming your membership in the group.
Also, visit our website at www.aenq.org frequently.
Solidarity
