Are you an educational assistant in New Brunswick? If so, it’s important for you to understand your collective agreement.
A collective agreement is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a union that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for the employees who are represented by the union. The collective agreement will cover things like wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security.
In New Brunswick, educational assistants (EA) are represented by the New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE). The NBUPPE has negotiated a collective agreement with the government of New Brunswick on behalf of educational assistants, which outlines the terms and conditions of their employment.
The current collective agreement for educational assistants in New Brunswick was signed in 2016 and will expire in 2020. According to this agreement, educational assistants in New Brunswick receive an hourly wage based on their experience and education level, ranging from $20.70 to $24.89 per hour. They are entitled to a number of benefits, including health and dental coverage and a pension plan.
Educational assistants who work at least 15 hours per week are entitled to job security, meaning they cannot be laid off without just cause. If an educational assistant is laid off, they have the right to bump other employees with less seniority in order to secure a position. An educational assistant who has been employed for at least five years is entitled to up to 24 months of severance pay if they are laid off due to budget cuts.
The collective agreement also outlines the working conditions for educational assistants in New Brunswick. Educational assistants are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid break for every five hours worked, and they cannot be required to work more than seven hours in a day or 35 hours in a week. They are also entitled to a paid day off on their birthday.
As an educational assistant in New Brunswick, it’s important to understand your collective agreement and your rights as an employee. If you have any questions or concerns about your employment, you can reach out to your union representative for guidance.
In conclusion, the educational assistant collective agreement in New Brunswick outlines the terms and conditions of employment for educational assistants in the province. It covers things like wages, benefits, job security, and working conditions. By understanding your collective agreement, you can ensure that you are being treated fairly and that your rights as an employee are being respected.
