Members of CUPE Local 5512 have voted with a 71 percent majority to ratify a new collective agreement with the Prairie South School Division.

The union tells us they were able to achieve a number of improvements including changes to wages equalling 5.5% over the term of the agreement, a $700 signing bonus, as well as maintaining the long term service recognition benefit.

Dave Stevenson is the National Representative for CUPE local 5512, he answered the question 'do you think both sides are happy with the new deal?"

"I would suggest not when you consider that only 71% of people voted in favor of it. I think that it was the best that we could get for our members given the circumstances that were put before us."

Stevenson continued and gave his opinion on what is important now that the agreement has been reached.

"I think it's important.  There is a lot of hard feeling on both sides given that this was a difficult round of bargaining. I think we can move forward and try to work to repair that relationship so that we have a good working relationship, and that's for the betterment of their employees and our members".

In the news release sent out, President of CUPE Local 5512 Dale Smith says  “We want to thank all of our members for staying strong and united through a difficult round of bargaining. The gains we made at the table would not have been possible without the strong strike mandate from our members and your ongoing support,” 

“CUPE Local 5512 executive will continue to advocate for our members, which includes advocating for sufficient K-12 funding, and working to address violence in the workplace”.

The Union represents but isn't limited to, library associates, library technicians, social workers, administrative assistants, bus drivers, concession workers, educational assistants, facility operators, and handymen.