MEDICINE HAT – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Medicine Hat School Division will sign a first contract for approximately 170 Teaching Assistants and Day Care Workers previously not covered by a union.
CUPE Local 829 President Jake Braaten said that while CUPE represents other employees in the schools, the Teaching Assistants are a new group that recently voted to join the union.
The collective agreement includes better job security and wages for employees, and converts a number of previously temporary employees to permanent status.
“Bargaining between the parties was cooperative and productive, and we were able to get a good deal for the staff,” said Braaten. “Teaching Assistants play a vital role in the classroom, and they will be compensated for it.”
Officials from the union and the school district will host a signing ceremony on Wednesday.
Media are welcome to take photos and cover the event.
Date: Wednesday, February 2nd
Time: Noon
Place: School Board Office – 601 1st Ave SW, Medicine Hat
Contact:
Jake Braaten, President CUPE 829
403.580.1108
Lou Arab, Communications Representative
780.271.2722
LA/lmac
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