Although Hanover School Division’s education assistants voted in favour of strike action, the Hanover School Board remains optimistic the two sides can reach an agreement through the conciliation process.
While the two sides have come to agreement on a number of items, wages are still an outstanding issue.
“Our 2023/24 budget has been one of our most fiscally challenging years to date,” says Trustee Danielle Funk, chair of the Negotiations Committee for the school division. “So, we always have to consider that and be accountable to the public and taxpayers when making these decisions in negotiations.”
She notes the division is committed to providing a comprehensive and fair offer, recognizing the financial climate and resources available to the division.
A new funding model is being considered by the province, and Funk says the Hanover School Division looks forward to it, expecting the new model will result in more funds for the division.
What happens if they can’t reach an agreement and educational assistants go on strike?
“We would hope that the Local would give us a little bit of time so we could contact our families and let them know for the students who may be impacted, but it's going to be a challenging process and I think it would look different for many different students.”
The conciliation process begins next week, and Funk says Hanover remains hopeful that a strike can be avoided.
96 percent of the EAs voted in favour of strike action which doesn't automatically trigger a work stoppage but allows the bargaining group to trigger one if need be.
Click here to view the Hanover School Division's statement on the collective bargaining process.
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