School support staff on Prince Edward Island have successfully concluded negotiations with the provincial education system, securing a wage increase to offset inflation-related pay cuts over the past two years. Represented by CUPE Local 3260, the union representing support staff, these workers have been in talks since their previous contract expired in March 2024.
Under the new agreement, support staff will receive wage hikes ranging from 18 to 20 percent over three years, including retroactive pay. Colleen Jackson, the president of CUPE Local 3260, expressed satisfaction with the deal but emphasized that more work lies ahead.
Support staff roles, which include youth and mental health workers, workplace assistants, and others, are crucial to the functioning of the education system. Jackson highlighted the essential support these staff members provide to students with diverse needs, such as medical, behavioral, and academic support. She emphasized the challenges teachers face in managing numerous individualized plans for students in crowded classrooms.
The recent contract extension now covers primary support workers focusing on social and emotional development for kindergarten to Grade 2 students. Despite the union’s push for a seventh working hour per day, the new deal does not include this provision.
Jackson acknowledged the importance of addressing staff’s financial needs promptly, citing the decision to prioritize immediate wage increases over additional work hours. However, she emphasized that pursuing the seventh working hour remains a key objective for future negotiations.
The forthcoming school year in September will see the implementation of the new contract, with retroactive pay for 2024 and 2025 to be disbursed in October as a lump sum. Jackson emphasized the value of the extra hour for enhancing collaboration, recruitment, retention, and reducing school violence through increased teamwork.