(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Contract Talks

Agreement reached between NESD and education support workers

Feb 12, 2024 | 1:43 PM

-An earlier version stated CUPE 4875 would be getting a 3 per cent increase in the third year. It’s actually 3.5 per cent. It was also previously stated that 91 per cent voted in favour of the deal when it was 79 per cent.

The North East School Division (NESD) and CUPE 4875, which encompasses education support workers, have reached a tentative bargaining agreement.

The two sides have been bargaining since October 2022 and officially hit an impasse in May 2023.

The main concern during negotiations was wages as the union claimed members were being paid less than people working the same job for other school divisions.

This new contract will include a 3 per cent, 3.5 per cent, and another 3.5 per cent increase over each of the next three years.

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

“It keeps us getting closer to the cost of living (and) to what other school divisions have been getting,” said Debbie Dufault, president of CUPE 4875.

She explained in the past they had to give up on multiple concessions including raises. Because of the current economic situation, members were determined not to let that happen again.

“We have to fight for every gain, so I feel like it was quite the accomplishment,” said Dufault.

CUPE members ratified the deal back on Feb. 1 with 79 per cent in favour.

The NESD is expected to vote on the agreement at their Tuesday meeting.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with CUPE 4875 that acknowledges the invaluable contributions of education support workers of the North East School Division,” said Heather Shwetz, Superintendent of Human Resources and Privacy Officer for the NESD. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable workplace environment.”

Meanwhile, one of the union’s biggest supporters during the entire negotiating process was teachers.

Dufault noted they’re also cheering for their colleagues as the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) and the province continue to work on a new deal.

“We’re hoping we can be excited for them soon because we work right beside them in the classroom, so any gain for them is also a gain for us,” she added.

The STF and province are resuming contract talks, meeting both Monday and Tuesday.

­__

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow