Negotiations with the Cree School Board (CSB) and the Kativik School Board (KSB)
Negotiations with the KSB have accelerated with a major breakthrough in terms of regional disparities. This gain would be a historic gain for our members even if the employer side does not grant us everything we want in terms of regional disparities. Before claiming victory, we must ensure the right modalities of application are put in place, but we hope to reach an agreement in principle at our 2 Kativik tables (E4 and S9) in the coming weeks.
As for the discussions with the CSB, they are a little more difficult. Even if we are not talking about stagnation, let’s say that the current exchanges do not let us foresee an agreement in principle soon at our 2 Cree tables (E3 and S8). The historic gain in the regime of regional disparities at the Kativik tables has not been confirmed at the Cree tables. Over the next two weeks, we have a negotiation meeting at the E3 table and one at the S8 table. We expect an openness on our priority demands. It is time for the CSB to move on our priority demands.
For our four Negotiating Tables:
Employer’s openness on one of our demands in regional disparities but only at the Kativik tables, for the moment;
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 employers have not responded favorably to our demands.
Furthermore:
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;
Improvement of the mechanism for obtaining services for students with special needs;
Supervision of student teachers, still not settled;
More flexible use of bereavement leaves;
Additional resources for the addition of resources to help for the composition of the class.
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;
More flexible use of bereavement leaves;
Additional resources for the addition of resources to help for the composition of the class.
Table S8 – CSB Support Staff:
Very restrictive employer’s priority demand still on the table: allow suspensions without pay when an employee is facing 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 amounts invested into the improvement funds;
Increased employer’s contribution to the 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 at the Cree School Board, 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.
Up until now, we had a common action-mobilisation plan for all of our 4 sectors. We are looking at having stronger action-mobilisation means for our CSB members since it is at these tables that discussions with the employer progress the least, by far.
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!
Larry Imbeault
President and Negotiation Coordinator
