January 10, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Last week, Arbitrator John Kinzie released his decision on the EA Wage Rate arbitration. He ruled that the appropriate rate for EAs is pay scale 9. EAs will be compensated retroactively to June 21, 2016 for the difference between pay scale 8 and pay scale 9. (.34 cents/hr)
We are very pleased to have achieved this important step forward for EAs. However, we feel that the decision fails to address some key aspects of the EA job and more progress is needed. We are considering the prospects of an appeal to the Labour Relations Board on certain aspects of the decision, and will provide an update soon. And, of course, fair compensation for EAs and all our members is front of mind as we head into our next round of collective bargaining.
We want to thank all of the members who participated in the arbitration process. Our members who testified about their jobs did an excellent job of explaining the complex and demanding work that EAs do. We could not have achieved the gains we did without their efforts. While we are disappointed that we did not achieve more, we are very proud of the work of all involved in this arbitration.
In solidarity,
Michelle Bennett
President
CUPE Local 748
President KDC
Secretary WKLC