Despite the weather the 2nd annual CUPE 411/SD33 Pro-D Day was a huge success and we could not have pulled it off without an amazing team of organizers, student volunteers, and few extra helping hands so please accept a very heartfelt “Thank You” for all your help and support.  Members are reminded to complete the Exit Survey that was emailed to you following your second session.  The Union is also able to receive your feedback on Pro-D ideas anytime, please email unionoffice@cupe411.ca with your suggestions.

It has been brought to the Union’s attention that concerns had been raised regarding pay for the general holidays in April therefore in an attempt to provide members with some clarity the  April 2024 – CUPE Quick Facts is focused on General Holidays.  If after review you still feel as though you should have been compensated for either of those days please reach out to the appropriate member in the Payroll Department.

The May 15th deadline date is fast approaching for members that wish to request a one-year leave of absence for the 2024-2025 school year as specified in the language of Article 14.10 General Leave of our Collective Agreement.  May 15th is also the deadline date for members that hold a permanent job description as an Education Assistant-Special Needs that would like to request a transfer as per the language in our Collective Agreement in the Letter of Understanding #3.  Members that have questions regarding either of this items are encouraged to reach out to a Shop Steward for guidance and support.

With field trip season starting to ramp up we want to remind support staff that if you are attending a field trip as part of your work related duties you are entitled to receive your breaks; coffee and lunch.  It would be best to have your break plan worked out prior to leaving the site and if for some reason your supervisor requires you to work through your break and you are agreeable to this then you get paid for that time. YOU DO NOT get to take time off in lieu, that is NOT permitted, your supervisors know this and they should never ask this of you.  Any members asked to participate in overnight field trips should reach out to the Union so that we can advise you of your rights and entitlements in terms of hours of work, overtime, and breaks, as this all needs to be spelled out in writing prior to your departure.

The Union is pleased to announce that we signed another one (1) year Letter of Understanding (LOU)  with our Employer for the Seamless Day Child Care program running out of Central Elementary as well as a second LOU that supports other Early Learning Initiatives such as the Before and After School Child Care programs.  With two new sites coming on board at Greendale Elementary and Unsworth Elementary we see this as an opportunity to give those members with the least amount of hours the ability to apply for positions that will top them up to seven (7) or possibly eight (8) hours a day.

Lastly, we want to encourage our Education Assistants-Special Needs who hold permanent positions to use their six (6) hours allotment of SIF hours before the end of this school year.  If you want to meet with your classroom teacher to discuss the student(s) you support, or even meet as a group to discuss tips and tricks on how to make it to the end of the year with your students this would be a great time to take advantage of the time given you.  Another great suggestion for those EA’s that have students transitioning to a Middle or Secondary school might be to connect with the EA’s at the incoming school to pass on your knowledge and experiences so that your counterparts can be successful in supporting the student.  You can also use the time to complete any of the District’s Moodle courses that may be of interest to you keeping in mind that you cannot exceed a seven (7) hour day.  Please be reminded to communicate to your Principal and/or Vice-Principal prior to proceeding with a plan for that time and if you are met with any resistance please contact an elected Union official.