The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is a major labour union in Canada, representing over 700,000 members across a wide range of industries. One of its largest local unions is CUPE 218, which represents over 1,000 workers in the K-12 education sector in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
In 2019, CUPE 218 negotiated a new collective agreement with the Saskatoon Public Schools board, which governs the employment terms and conditions for its members. The agreement, which was reached after months of bargaining, includes a number of significant changes and improvements for workers.
One notable aspect of the new agreement is an increase in wages. According to CUPE 218, workers will see a 7.75% salary increase over the three years of the agreement, with the biggest jump coming in the second year. This increase is designed to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living in the Saskatoon area.
In addition to wage increases, the agreement includes changes to benefits and working conditions. For example, workers will now have access to up to five days of paid leave for personal or family illness, an increase from three days in the previous agreement. They will also have access to improved dental and vision benefits, which will help cover the cost of basic dental services and eyeglasses.
The agreement also includes language around job security and workload. CUPE 218 reports that the new contract will help protect workers from layoffs and ensure that they have access to appropriate support and resources, particularly in situations where their workload may be increasing.
Overall, the new collective agreement for CUPE 218 members in Saskatoon represents a significant win for workers in the K-12 education sector. Through careful negotiation and strong advocacy, the union was able to secure important improvements to wages, benefits, and working conditions, all of which will help support workers in their important roles in the community.
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