Community College members ratify collective agreements

HALIFAX , Oct. 23 /CNW/ - More than 900 faculty and professional support staff members employed by the Nova Scotia Community College have approved tentative agreements reached between the College and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union on October 19 .

Members of the community college faculty voted 85 per cent in favour of their agreement. Members of the professional support unit approved their tentative agreement by 97 per cent. Terms of both collective agreements are from September 1, 2008 to August 31, 2011 .

"We felt this was the best deal possible for our members at this time," says NSTU president Alexis Allen . "We will continue to press the important role our College members play in the post-secondary education system and the economy of Nova Scotia."

"I am pleased that our dedicated and talented colleagues have ratified this new agreement," says NSCC president Joan McArthur-Blair. "Their focus on student learning during the final stages of a complex and stressful negotiation process is proof of their professionalism, talent and commitment to improving lives through education."

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union and Nova Scotia Community College reached tentative collective agreements on behalf of the faculty and professional support staff last Monday averting a strike that was scheduled to begin Tuesday, October 20 .

Both agreements contain a 2.9 per cent annual salary increase in 2008-2009, a 1 per cent salary increase in 2009-2010, and a 1 per cent salary increase in 2010-2011. There is also a 1 per cent adjustment to salary grids to be applied on September 1, 2008 that responds to industry specific demands. Improvements that support continuing professional development include two self-directed learning days annually. Enhanced medical insurance benefits and enhanced sick leave accumulation provisions in both agreements bring them in line with those negotiated previously by the NSTU with the Department of Education on behalf of public school teachers.

The faculty bargaining unit includes some 760 members who teach at NSCC campuses across the province. The 165-member professional support bargaining unit includes professionals such as registrars, librarians, counsellors and training coordinators at NSCC sites across Nova Scotia. Both units are represented by the Nova Scotia Teachers Union.

For further information: Angela Murray, NSTU PR Coordinator, [phone] (cell), [phone] (office), [email protected]; Stacey Baillie, Manager - Media & External Relations, [phone] (cell), [phone] (office), [email protected]