June 24, 2009
News release
Akwesasne teachers ratify first tentative agreement with Mohawk Council
Akwesasne – Teachers in Akwesasne represented by PSAC ratified a first tentative agreement with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne on Wednesday June 24, 2009. The agreement will expire August 31, 2011. It provides Akwesasne teachers with improvements to workplace rights, working conditions, and salaries, including:
- A new pay grid with a bargaining unit average increase of 6.8 per cent depending on recognized qualifications and years of experience.
- A base salary increase for all members of 2.5 per cent and 1.25 per cent in 2009 and 2010.
- Hiring preference given to members of Aboriginal communities.
- Two days paid or unpaid leave for cultural and religious holidays.
- Seniority provisions for job postings, layoff and recall.
- Internal candidates considered before consideration of external applicants for any job postings.
- Two union members on job transfer committee to ensure union representation and transparency.
- Strong grievance and arbitration language.
- Substantial discrimination and harassment language, including specific language on sexual harassment.
- The creation of a Joint Consultation Committee.
- Ten days bereavement leave for immediate family.
PSAC represents 75 elementary teachers and education assistants employed by the Council. The teachers work at schools in Quebec and Ontario. Negotiations between PSAC and the Council began in August 2008.
According to Gerry Halabecki, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for Ontario, this collective agreement is another example of PSAC's ability to successfully negotiate collective agreements for members of First Nations.
“PSAC negotiating teams have the skills tonegotiate contract language that honours the culture, customs and traditions of First Nations people, said Halabecki. He added that PSAC members are proud of the work their union has done in solidarity with Aboriginal Peoples.
In 2003 the union established a national network of its First Nations, Inuit and Métis members and was the first union in the country to have a national conference solely for Aboriginal members. The National Aboriginal Peoples' Network works to raise issues of concern to Aboriginal workers and communities both in and outside the union. The Network also encourages Aboriginal Peoples to take leadership roles in all aspects of the union and advance their rights in the broader community.
FOR INFORMATION:
Gerry Halabecki, PSAC REVP Ontario, (416) 485-3558, ext 231
28-240609
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
