Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools Collective Agreement: Understanding the Basics
If you are a teacher or a staff member of Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools (WRPS) in Alberta, Canada, you are likely covered by the collective agreement between the district and the Alberta Teachers` Association (ATA) or the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
A collective agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions of employment between the employer (in this case, WRPS) and the union representing the employees (ATA or CUPE).
Here are some key points to help you understand the WRPS collective agreement:
Duration and renewal:
The current collective agreement between WRPS and ATA is in effect from September 1, 2018, to August 31, 2022, while the agreement with CUPE is in effect from September 1, 2018, to August 31, 2021. Negotiations for a new agreement may begin well before the expiry date, and both parties may request the assistance of a mediator or an arbitrator if they cannot reach an agreement.
Salary and benefits:
The collective agreement outlines the salaries and benefits of teachers and staff members, including the amount of annual increments, the rates of pay for substitute teachers and part-time employees, and the contribution rates for health and dental benefits. The agreement also includes provisions for professional development opportunities and leaves of absence.
Working conditions:
The collective agreement covers various aspects of working conditions, such as hours of work, class sizes, workload, and job security. For example, the agreement sets a maximum class size of 30 students for kindergarten to grade 3 and a maximum workload of 1,200 minutes per week for full-time teachers. The agreement also includes provisions for seniority, layoff and recall procedures, and grievance and arbitration processes.
Professional responsibilities:
The collective agreement outlines the professional responsibilities of teachers, such as planning and delivering instruction, assessing student learning, and participating in school-wide activities. The agreement also includes provisions for teacher evaluation and supervision, as well as for the use of technology and the protection of intellectual property.
Conclusion:
The WRPS collective agreement is a vital document that governs the employment relationship between the district and its teachers and staff members. If you have any questions about the agreement, you can consult your union representative, your school principal, or the WRPS human resources department. By understanding the provisions of the collective agreement, you can ensure that your rights and responsibilities as an employee are protected and fulfilled.