The votes were counted last night and MGEU members of Local 145 – Seine River School Division Educational Assistants have voted in favour of the employer’s offer.
The offer includes wage increases which bring SRSD EAs in line with EAs in other divisions. It also provides a number of other important improvements, including increases to professional development days, access to an employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan, and double time on scheduled days of rest and statutory holidays.
“Going on strike was the last thing anyone wanted, and we’re pleased that we were able to finally reach an agreement for these workers,” said MGEU President, Kyle Ross. “Educational Assistants provide critical support to children who need it most and earning little more than minimum wage makes it difficult to attract and retain experienced staff. It was forcing many EAs in the division to take other career paths or leave for better pay in other school divisions.”
After providing their Bargaining Committee with an overwhelming strike mandate on April 4, 2025, the Local narrowly averted strike action (set to begin on Monday, April 17) when a last minute bargaining session over the weekend yielded an improved offer from the employer.
“These members showed real solidarity during these
negotiations. We believe that is a big reason why they got such a strong
offer,” added Ross.
The new agreement comes into place on date of signing and includes retroactive pay to July 2021.