Education Minister Jeffrey E. Lantz said today he is pleased that the arbitration process between government and the PEI Teachers' Federation is complete. Minister Lantz commended both parties for dealing with the arbitration process in a professional manner.
"I am pleased that the arbitration board has delivered its decision," said Minister Lantz. "Both parties conducted themselves in a professional manner, and government accepts the decision. We are hopeful that our good and long-standing working relationship with the PEI Teachers' Federation and Island teachers will continue. We have a long and successful history of working together to provide Island students with a high quality education."
Minister Lantz said he was pleased to note that the arbitration board found that, in its opinion, the tentative agreement reached in May 2001, subject to one minor amendment, was fair and reasonable.
The new three-year contract with teachers is effective July 1, 2001 and includes:
- 3.25 per cent increase in year one of the contract. This includes a 2.25 per cent increase on the salary grid and a one per cent increase in lieu of a cost-shared, long-term disability plan;
- 3.25 per cent salary increase in year two; and
- 3.25 per cent salary increase in year three.
Administrative allowances for principals and vice-principals will be increased at the same rate as the grid increases. In addition, the basic allowance for principals and vice-principals will be increased to 10 per cent and five per cent respectively (from eight per cent and four per cent).
The minor amendment to the tentative agreement is the addition of a wage re-opener for the final year of the contract if, during the first two years of the contract, the rate of inflation in Prince Edward Island exceeds seven per cent on a cumulative basis.
The contract also includes the letters of understanding that were part of the tentative agreement reached in May. These letters deal with discipline, grievance and arbitration procedures; site technology contacts; staffing levels; distance education; and students with special needs.
Minister Lantz said the letter of understanding concerning staffing levels is significant.
"We have provisions to maintain the current number of teachers in the public school system during the three years of the contract," said Minister Lantz. "Our best estimates of declining enrolments over this three-year period tell us that this measure will maintain in excess of 60 teaching positions in the school system."