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The Kenora Catholic District School Board (KCDSB) is pleased to announce the recently finalized collective agreement with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). This agreement covers approximately 110 employees in the professional groups of Education Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, and Lunch Hour Monitors. The negotiations concluded on October 19, 2023, and the agreement is effective from September 1, 2022 until August 31, 2026.
“This milestone marks a significant achievement in our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional Catholic education services while ensuring stability and continuity for students and families”, says Teresa Gallik, Chair. “The successful negotiation of this collective agreement reflects our dedication to the principles of equity, respect, and collaboration. We look forward to continuing to work in harmony as we serve the best interests of our students.”
The negotiations were conducted with a focus on reaching solutions that benefit all parties while keeping students at the forefront of all decisions. The cooperative efforts of the negotiating teams demonstrate a shared dedication to fostering positive relationships and working together to create an environment that encourages excellence in Catholic education.
“Our OPSEU employees play a pivotal role at the KCDSB, offering valuable contributions that resonate with students, families, and the entire school. Their dedication and commitment help keep schools safe, while also enriching the educational experience for students in countless ways and we are pleased this agreement has been reached,” says Nicole Kurtz, Director of Education. “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated members of OPSEU and our own negotiating team for their hard work and commitment throughout this process.”
The agreement was ratified by OPSEU on October 30, 2023, and the KCDSB on November 7, 2023.