Teachers at IFS in Toronto ratify first agreement as union members

Boosts teachers' salaries by $1,350 per year: UFCW

Teachers at IFS in Toronto ratify first agreement as union members
The full-time and part-time educators at the Toronto school voted to join the union in May 2017. GOOGLE STREET VIEW

After a difficult round of negotiations, the 28 teachers working at the Islamic Foundation School (IFS) of Toronto ratified their first collective agreement on Nov. 2, as United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW) members.

The committee achieved significant language recognizing the teachers as permanent employees of the school. Before this contract, teachers were hired on contracts that had to be renewed each year. The probationary period ends at six months as well. In addition, this contract extends to any changes in the geographic area of the school, and it prevents contracting out, said the union.

The two-year agreement includes salary improvements of $1,350 per year, instead of the previous $1,000 per year. In addition, the teachers receive a signing bonus and retroactive pay, according to UFCW.

Teachers now benefit from union steward representation at any meetings regarding discipline, and can take advantage of a full grievance and arbitration process as well. New language ensures there will be no unpaid suspensions. The employer must provide a full written description of any disciplinary action, including terminations, said the union.

Provisions lay out the specifics on hours of work including overtime, breaks, preparation time, staff meetings, and on-call time. Teachers can now leave school 15 minutes after end of class without any loss of pay. Previously, teachers had to remain in school for 30 minutes. The work day is reduced by one hour during the month of Ramadan, and there is language outlining orientation day and other special observances. Now, employees can use sick days as choice days as well, according to UFCW.

The full-time and part-time educators at the Toronto school voted to join the union in May 2017. 

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