Published by liftdivision
Posted on October 23, 2022
Collective agreements are legal documents that outline the terms and conditions of employment for a group of workers. In the education sector, these agreements are particularly important, as they govern the working conditions of teachers and support staff in schools across the province.
One such collective agreement that has been making headlines recently is the one between the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) and its employees. This agreement covers over 12,000 teachers, occasional teachers, and support staff, and is set to expire in August 2021.
The negotiations for a new collective agreement have been ongoing for some time, and tensions have been high between the TCDSB and its employees. In January 2021, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) ruled that the board had engaged in unfair labour practices, which included trying to force teachers to work overtime and failing to provide adequate protections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These issues, along with concerns over wage increases and job security, have led to difficult negotiations between the TCDSB and its employees. However, both sides have expressed a desire to reach a new agreement that is fair and equitable.
So, what can we expect from the new collective agreement between the TCDSB and its employees? While negotiations are still ongoing, some key issues have emerged as sticking points.
One of the most contentious issues is the question of wage increases. The TCDSB has offered a modest increase of 1.5% per year, while the unions representing the employees are seeking a larger increase of 2.25% per year. This may not seem like a significant difference, but over the course of a multi-year agreement, it can add up to a substantial amount.
Another issue is job security. With school enrollments declining in some areas, there is concern among employees about potential layoffs and job cuts. The unions have proposed measures to protect against this, such as offering early retirement incentives and creating a job-sharing program.
Finally, there is the issue of working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light many concerns about the safety and well-being of employees in schools. The unions have proposed measures to ensure that staff are provided with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and that proper protocols are in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
In conclusion, the negotiations for a new collective agreement between the TCDSB and its employees are ongoing, and both sides are working to reach a fair and equitable agreement. While there are still many issues to be resolved, it is clear that both parties are committed to finding a solution that works for everyone involved. As the negotiations continue, we can only hope that a positive outcome will be reached that benefits the students, teachers, and support staff in the TCDSB.