The Kootenay Lake School District and CUPE Local 748 have negotiated their latest collective agreement for the period of July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2019.
“The biggest thing for us is we had a very productive and respectful bargaining process and we were able to come to a negotiated agreement within five days. That set the stage for us as a district to work in a really positive framework and promote the relationships we have,” said human resources director Deanna Holitzki.
She said this bodes well for future negotiations.
“The better the relationship with our employees, the better we can attend to student needs in the classroom and improve student learning conditions in the district,” she said.
The agreement came with a 5.5 per cent increase over 5 years, plus an economic stability dividend. In addition, they will receive benefit improvements, while some of the language surrounding extended health and dental benefits have been improved.
CUPE employees will also receive an employee support grant, which will cover 100 per cent of the wages lost during job action earlier this year.
“It’s coming right around Christmas time, so that will be a nice Christmas present,” said Holitzki.
For more information visit sd8.bc.ca.