Negotiations Committee
Number of meetings: 5
This year the negotiations committees have covered the gamut of the negotiation process. The first committee's tasks were extended from last year. When the school year began in September, the table team-a sub-committee of our negotiations committee-met with representatives of the school division to negotiate a new collective agreement for the 2009-2010 year. Highlights of the settlement included a salary settlement (3% + up to $732), clarification of maternity leave/adoptive leave/parental leave clause, compensatory time for Resource Teachers, and movement to twice-monthly pay period (which will be implemented in September, 2010).
No sooner had our settlement occurred and the second committee was putting the finishing touches on a package for negotiating the 2010-2011 collective agreement.
January 5, 2010: 2009-2010 Collective Agreement ratified by membership
January 6, 2010: 2010-2011 Package approved by Committee
February 10, 2010: 2010-2011 Package approved by Executive
February 17, 2010: 2010-2011 Package presented to members at a Special Meeting
March 16, 2010: 2010-2011 Package approved by Council
April 14, 2010: Table Team membership approved by Executive
April 30, 2010: Letter sent to Chair of WSD Board of Trustees requesting to open negotiations
As local bargainers we are able to tailor our clauses to address the concerns of our members. The WTA holds the bargaining certificate of its members. This means that we negotiate with our employer directly rather than through a provincial bargaining process-variations of which are employed in other provinces. When we have local issues, we have the ability to address them in a timely manner.
This year, committee members have been involved in collective bargaining seminars promoted by The Manitoba Teachers' Society. The Summer Bargaining School is a three day training session which gives committee members the opportunity to participate in a simulated round of negotiations including package preparation (writing clauses) and negotiating at the table. The Fall and Spring Seminars give members the opportunity to hear economic updates, discuss common concerns, and gather information for local use.
Special mention and thanks to the Negotiations Committee members for their efforts and expertise. This committee will remain in place until a settlement is reached.
*Melinda Guenther-Balodis, Lord Selkirk
*Shahram Hakimelahi, Montrose/Wolseley
Kristin Insull, Kelvin
Pat Lewicki, Shaughnessy Park
Cam Menzie, Wolseley
*Dave Najduch, WTA
*Chris Pammenter, WAEC
Kevin Zuk, Elmwood
*Henry Shyka, WTA Business Agent
Nathan Martindale, Shaughnessy Park (Guest)
Respectfully submitted,
*Joan Fransen, WTA
*denotes Table Team (2010-2011)
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