"Historic" and "landmark" are just two of the words being used to describe the recent ratification of the first-ever provincial collective agreement for Manitoba teachers.
Sandy Nemeth, President of the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA), says this agreement comes after years of respectful conversation and hard work.
"The intent was to harmonize thirty-seven collective agreements that while, in some respect have common language and common pieces, each are different and each of the teacher unions will be looking for different things based on the communities in which they reside and the environments in which they are working," said Nemeth. "It's almost, I would say, something to herald as very significant."
The deal covers public school teachers in the province's 37 anglophone school divisions.
According to the Manitoba Teacher's Society (MTS), nearly 70 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots, with 95 per cent voting 'yes' to the deal.
Nemeth feels pre-existing relationships based on mutual success helped everyone at the table navigate the process and avoid arbitration.
"The respective teachers' associations and individual boards and school divisions have good relationships. Certainly, the Manitoba School Boards Association and Manitoba Teacher's Society, as education partners, have always enjoyed the collaborative piece but at the end of the day, always had our eyes focused on the same goal which was staff success, teacher success and ultimately, student success. And in environments that are welcoming and safe, and where teachers have the ability to grow and learn in their roles even while they're helping our future citizens do the same."
While news of the ratification broke this past week, the work isn't over yet for local school boards.
"I think the question that a lot of boards will sit down and work through is related to the impact on their budget," noted Nemeth. "I think the majority of boards put money aside so, the first year round in terms of impact on budget, is something that could be anticipated."
The four-year collective agreement is in effect from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2026.
MTS says it introduces substantial wage increases, improved working conditions, and enhanced workplace safety and health measures.
Teachers across Manitoba will benefit from a wage increase of approximately 12.25 per cent over the term of the agreement, with a compounded increase of 12.85 per cent.
With files from Robyn Wiebe and Shannon Dueck