CUPE’s Request:
CUPE has requested a retroactive $6/hour wage increase, estimated to cost the Division $7.8 million. Such an increase would significantly impact staffing and class sizes; $7.8 million equates to about 76 of our 404 teaching positions. Going forward, this would increase annual wages and benefits by about $3.4 million annually. This is not financially feasible under the current funding model shared by all Alberta school divisions.
Employer’s Proposal:
FMPSD proposes to green circle current employees, offering them the same percentage raise accepted by 90% of other support staff agreements across the province. New employees would be placed on a new grid, recognizing certifications, education, and experience.
Fort McMurray Public School Division remains dedicated to fair negotiations and a viable resolution supporting our employees and the students we serve. We are committed to providing ongoing updates through email and our website.
The Disputes Inquiry Board (DIB) recommendations and comments are as follows:
“The parties have already agreed on a number of changes to the Collective Agreement including an expiry date of August 31, 2024. In addition to those changes, with respect to the matters in dispute, I recommend that the Union and the Employer accept the following changes”
2. Shift differentials: the shift differentials should be increased to the following amounts in Article 16.08:
- Afternoon shift: $1 per hour.
- Night shift: $1.50 per hour
- Weekend shift: 75 cents per hour
2. General Holidays: the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation should be added to the list of named General Holidays in Article 18:01 of the Collective Agreement.
2. Wage Increases:
- Effective February 1, 2024: 2.75 % increase
- Effective August 31, 2024: .75 % increase
- Total: 3.5 % increase.
As stated above, 90% (55 of 61) of Alberta school division support staff local unions have settled for 2020-24. All of these settlements featured the same 2.75% increase which has been turned down in Ft. McMurray. That agreement ended six months ago. The employees in 37 of the 55 settled school divisions are represented by CUPE. They are now negotiating collective agreements which commenced Sept. 1, 2024 and which could extend out to August 31, 2028.
