Three unions reach deal with Catholic school board

On Tuesday November 13, three bargaining units with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) ratified one-year agreements with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.

The OSSTF Educational Assistants Bargaining Unit, District 17, Simcoe Maintenance Bargaining Unit, District 17, and Simcoe OSSTF Office and Clerical Bargaining Unit, District 17 all reached agreements that are in effect until August 31, 2008. The agreements include a 3 per cent pay increase for all members retroactive to September 1, 2007 and improvements to benefit packages.

"We are very pleased we were able to reach agreements for these groups - it was positive to see how we worked cooperatively and productively together to reach a favourable outcome," said Michael O'Keefe, the SMCDSB's director of education. "These negotiations truly reflect the excellent working relationships we have with these staff. We value their hard work and dedication and recognize the important role they play in supporting exceptional, faith-filled learning for our students."

The Board employs approximately 384 educational assistants, 20 maintenance employees and 95 office and clerical staff. The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board provides faith-filled education to about 22,000 students in 42 elementary and nine secondary schools.