The Durham District School Board (DDSB) and the Elementary Teachers` Federation of Ontario (ETFO) have recently signed a new collective agreement for the year 2020. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions for elementary teachers working within the DDSB.
One of the main highlights of the agreement is a salary increase for teachers. According to the agreement, elementary teachers will receive a 1.5% salary increase starting September 1, 2020. This increase is in line with provincial guidelines set by the government in 2019, which call for a maximum salary increase of 1% for teachers.
The agreement also includes several changes to working conditions for teachers. For instance, the amount of preparation time for teachers teaching split grades has been increased from 40 minutes to 60 minutes per week. Additionally, there has been an increase in the amount of personal leave days available to teachers from 10 to 11 days per year.
In terms of benefits, the new collective agreement includes several enhancements. For instance, dental coverage for part-time teachers has been increased from $300 per year to $500 per year. The agreement also includes improvements in the coverage for paramedical services such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic services.
Another notable change in the agreement is a new provision for teachers who work in schools with high levels of violence. These teachers may now receive additional pay for working in a high-risk environment.
The new collective agreement is a result of negotiations between the DDSB and the ETFO, which began in April 2020. Both parties worked collaboratively to reach an agreement that is fair and equitable for all elementary teachers within the DDSB.
In conclusion, the new DDSB ETFO collective agreement for 2020 is an important milestone for elementary teachers working within the DDSB. The agreement outlines several key changes to working conditions, benefits, and salaries for teachers. These changes demonstrate the commitment of both the DDSB and the ETFO to improve the working conditions of elementary teachers in Ontario.