The province has signed a new four-year deal with CUPE Local 1253, the union that represents more than 3,300 employees in school districts.
Wages will go up by $5 per hour over the course of the agreement, retroactive to April 1, 2024, according to a government news release.
The raises break down as follows: $1 in year one, followed by $1.10, $1.30 and $1.60 in the final year.
Staff will also get better access to vacation days, higher on-call premiums for weekends and holidays, and increases to weekend and split-shift pay. Various allowances will also be improved.
A new classification for bus drivers will assign permanent positions based on geographic location. This change aims to reduce route cancellations caused by absenteeism.
“These employees keep our schools running every day — whether they’re driving students or keeping buildings clean and safe,” Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy said.
“I’m grateful to both sides for negotiating a fair and well-deserved deal.”
The province says the new agreement will help with recruitment and retention across the school system.
