School support workers reach tentative deal with HRCE

CITYnews halifax \ By Mark Hodgins

After more than a month of strike action, CUPE Local 5047 and the Halifax Regional Centre for Education have reached a tentative deal that could see hundreds of students back in class next week.

In a statement, HRCE Regional Executive Director Steve Gallagher said the deal was reached after “several” days of negotiation, and has been endorsed by the CUPE executive team.

Members are expected to vote on the contract in the coming days, and details of the agreement won’t be known until that happens. The results are expected by Sunday, Gallagher said.

“If the members accept the agreement, all Pre-Primary children, and students who have not been able to safely attend school without EPAs at work, can return to school on Monday, June 19,” Gallagher wrote in a note to families.

Union local president Chris Melanson said the deal is thanks to the “fierce determination” of striking workers.

CUPE represents about 1,800 school support workers in the Halifax area. Those workers went on strike on May 10 after turning down a deal with HRCE, saying they needed more money to make up for the higher cost of living in the metro region.