Education support staff at the Greater Essex County District School Board voted Thursday to ratify a two-year provincial agreement.
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1348 officials say the agreement addresses a number of issues, including protecting services through better job security, better sick leave support and protection of pension contributions.
"Our members understood what our bargaining committee faced at the provincial bargaining table in the shadow of Bill 115,” said Catherine Barrett, president of CUPE Local 1348, in a release. “Their support helped greatly through this entire process, and we thank them for that support."
The union says the deal will help protect services and students while ensuring stability in schools.
"The fight is not over,” says Barrett. “Our local has concluded this round of bargaining for our members but our concerns around Bill 115's infringement on our democratic rights remain. Bill 115 created a crisis in our schools and we will continue to campaign until all provincial leaders commit that they will not attack our basic collective bargaining rights in the future."
The agreement is for office, clerical and technical staff at the local public board.
