The education support staff of South East Cornestone School Division voted on May 11 to accept a tentative agreement reached by the Union and Employer. Support workers, as well as regular bus services will resume work on May 13.
"Though this isn't everything we were hoping for, it is a step in the right direction," said Maureen Jackiw, Administrative Assistant and SEIU-West Bargaining Committee Chair of Southeast Cornerstone. "By a majority, our members have voted to accept the tentative deal."
The tentative agreement includes a 4.5% wage increase over 2 years - 2.5% increase in the first year and 2% increase in the following year, with no other changes to previous offers.
"Though the board didn't move as far as we would have liked, we've made some head way in our relationship and have managed to get a deal our members can live with," said Barbara Cape, President of SEIU-West. "I'm sure the students will be excited to see their support workers back in class and around the school."
Since 10:47 am of April 22, 2015, SEIU-West education workers have been exercising their right to strike. "The support from our communities has been overwhelming and appreciated by all of our members," added Jackiw. "We want our students to know that we will be back at school on Wednesday May 13 and we are looking forward to seeing their eager faces."
"We do want to thank the communities for their support through the past two weeks," added Cape. "Our members really appreciated the company on the picket lines, the noisy honks and the many bouquets for the work they do - contained in letters, emails and comments shared."
SEIU-West represents approximately 250 members employed as Education Assistants, Library Technicians, Custodians, Maintenance/Journeypersons, Kitchen/Cafeteria staff, Administrative Assistants and School Bus Drivers employed by the South East Cornerstone School Division in Weyburn, Estevan and 14 other rural communities.
