The Government of Nunavut (GN) and the Nunavut Teachers' Association (NTA) signed a new four year collective agreement.
"Education is the cornerstone of Nunavut's future and vitally important to the development of our territory," said David Akeeagok, Minister of Finance. "I am extremely pleased at the co-operation shown by both parties during the bargaining process, which allowed for a productive and positive outcome that will benefit not only our educators, but our children and communities as well."
"This agreement provides the foundation to continue building a positive relationship between parties," said David Joanasie, Minister of Education. "It highlights Inuit knowledge and languages, as well as the importance of working together to ensure the success of students."
"We thank our teachers for supporting this agreement and for their commitment to provide our students with excellent learning opportunities and guidance in our classrooms," said John Fanjoy, NTA President. "The NTA is looking forward to working with the Government of Nunavut during the next four years in implementing programs, services, and curriculum that will lead to a bilingual education system delivered by qualified teachers."
Highlights of the new agreement include:
- Wage increases of 1 per cent in the first year, 1 per cent in the second year, 2 per cent in the third year and 2 per cent in the final year, as of July 1 for each year. Increases are retroactive to July 2017, only for those employees who are employed as of the date of ratification on January 31, 2018.
- Changes to more closely align teacher professional development activities with Inuit employment and Inuktut language development, as well as opportunities for long-term career progression for new and experienced teachers.
- Restructuring the salary grid to further support Inuit culture and language specialists, by removing Level A as of July 1, 2017. Teachers who were paid according to that level will be moved to Level 1, at the appropriate step.
- Increase of Level 1 of the Inuktut Allowance, from $1,200 to $1,500 per year.
- Increase to the principals' and vice-principals' allowances.
The agreement expires on June 30, 2021.
