Holy Spirit Catholic School Division No. 4 teachers and board ratify memorandum of agreement

press release

Teachers employed by Holy Spirit Catholic School Division No. 4 voted on November 7, 2013 to accept the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) reached last week between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division.  The Board voted to accept the MOA later that same night at a special meeting.

“It was a collaborative effort by both negotiating team,” states Board Chair Terry O’Donnell. “Both parties should definitely be commended for their commitment in coming to this agreement.”

Dr. Mark Nixon, President of Holy Spirit Catholic ATA Local # 5 remarks, “It has been a long time since we have sat face to face with our employer at the table so we are very pleased, not only with the agreement, but the process followed in this round of collective bargaining.  This was definitely a fine example of living the first year of our faith plan, ‘Taking our place at the table!’”

The local agreement, which will retroactively begin September 1, 2012 and stay in effect until August 31, 2016, was reached within the parameters for local bargaining outlined in the Provincial Framework Agreement (PFA) implemented by the Assurance for Students Act (Bill 26).  The PFA outlines salary provisions which include no salary increases for the first three years, followed by a two per cent increase in 2015/16, and a one per cent lump sum payment. It also includes provisions to address teaching conditions related to assigned duties and instructional load.

The  Memorandum  of  Agreement  will  be  signed  at  an  official  ceremony  held  in  the  Board  Room  at  the St. Basil Catholic Education Centre (620 12B Street North, Lethbridge) on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.