UGDSB and CUPE Local 256 ratify tentative agreements
For Immediate Release
February 27, 2020
GUELPH, Ontario — The Upper Grand District School Board and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 256 are pleased to announce that they have ratified the tentative collective agreements reached on January 17 (Caretaking and Maintenance Bargaining Unit) and February 6, 2020 (English as a Second Language Bargaining Unit).
The agreements cover the period from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2022.
As bargained at the central negotiating table, the agreements include a 1% increase to salary and benefits in each year of the agreement, retroactive to Sept. 1, 2019, as well as commitments to Community Use of Schools funding, Professional Development, and “Investment in System Priorities” funding, which will result in the addition of six permanent custodial positions.
“The negotiations went well,” said William Foster, President of CUPE Local 256, adding that the Caretaking and Maintenance agreement was reached in four days, and the ESL agreement in three days.
“We worked well with the board and the board worked well with us,” said Foster. “All in all, negotiations went smoothly.”
Martha MacNeil, Chair of the Board, agreed. “We are pleased that the board and CUPE’s work together has resulted in the swift negotiation of these agreements,” she said.
“We continue to value our strong relationships with our union partners and appreciate their commitment to the Upper Grand educational community.”
The Board ratified the new agreements on February 25, with CUPE members ratifying the agreements on February 1 (Caretaking and Maintenance Bargaining Unit) and February 14 (ESL Bargaining Unit).
CUPE Local 256 represents approximately 175 custodial staff, 45 maintenance staff and 22 permanent ESL employees in the Upper Grand DSB.
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Media contacts:
Heather Loney
Communications and Community Engagement Officer
Upper Grand District School Board
519-822-4420 ext.725
[email protected]
William Foster
Union President
CUPE Local 256
[email protected]
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