Board approves agreements for CUPE #290 and CUPE #2843

At the April 29 meeting of the Lethbridge School Division Board of Trustees, memorandums of agreement (MOA) between the Board and both the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local #290 and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local #2843 were approved by the Board.
Prior to the Board approval of the two MOAs, both CUPE 290 and CUPE 2843 voted to ratify their respective agreements.
CUPE 290 represents caretaking and maintenance personnel that ensure our schools are clean and safe places for teaching and learning.
CUPE 2843 represents support staff personnel that includes administrative assistants, educational assistants and Learning Commons facilitators.
The MOA for CUPE 290 covers a four-year term from Sept. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2028, and provides a three-per-cent wage increase (effective Sept. 1, 2024), a $1.25/hour or three-per-cent wage increase – whichever is greater (effective Sept. 1, 2025), a three-per-cent wage increase (effective Sept. 1, 2026) and a $1.25/hour or three-per-cent wage increase – whichever is greater (effective Sept. 1, 2027).
The MOA for CUPE 2843 also covers a four-year term from Sept. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2028, and provides a three-per-cent wage increase (effective Sept. 1, 2024), a $1.25/hour or three-per-cent wage increase – whichever is greater (effective Sept. 1, 2025), a three-per-cent wage increase (effective Sept. 1, 2026) and a $1.25/hour or three-per-cent wage increase – whichever is greater (effective Sept. 1, 2027).
Additionally, effective Sept. 1 2026, for educational assistants (Level 1 and Level 2), a market adjustment increase of 4.25 per cent will be applied.
"The Board is pleased to have reached settlements with both CUPE 290 and CUPE 2843,” said Board Chair Christine Light. "We extend a sincere thank you to the CUPE members and Division staff who gave up their time at the bargaining table. All staff represented by these groups play essential roles in creating welcoming, safe and thriving environments for students learning. The Division is grateful for the positive relationships we hold with them and we look forward to moving ahead together into the future.”