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EAs, librarians and secretaries get new deal with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

May 24, 2025 | 7:29 PM

Education workers at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) have ratified a new memorandum of agreement with their employer,

Members of CUPE Local 417 impacted by the deal include educational assistants, librarians, and school secretaries.

A key highlight of the agreement, which runs through Aug. 31, 2028, is a three per cent retroactive wage increase, up to the expiration of the previous memorandum of agreement (Aug. 31, 2024).

There is also a guaranteed annual wage increase for the duration of the new deal, the elimination of Step 0 wage rates, plus the subsequent raising of casual hourly rates to Step 1.

RDCRS has also committed to exploring a defined benefit pension plan, the reduction of probationary period for new employees to six months down from ten, and two letters of understanding for the creation of a labour management committee and an OH&S committee, respectively.

“This agreement was achieved as a result of simultaneous action from other CUPE unions across Alberta, firmly negotiating with their respective employers for increased wages and improved working conditions,” the union writes.

“CUPE Local 417 would like to express gratitude to and solidarity with these fellow unions, and congratulate them on their associated wins. CUPE Local 417 remains committed to working side by side with like-minded organizations to fight for justice, dignity, and respect in workplaces across central Alberta.”

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Acting Superintendent Ryan Ledene, provided a comment Monday, saying:

“Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) is pleased to announce the successful ratification of a new Memorandum of Agreement with CUPE Local 417, representing our valued educational assistants, librarians, and school secretaries. This agreement, achieved through collegial negotiations, reflects our shared commitment to the dedicated individuals who play a vital role in supporting our students and school communities. We look forward to the continued positive contributions of these employees under this new agreement, which includes wage increases, improved working conditions, and a commitment to exploring a defined benefit pension plan.”

CUPE Local 417 represents over 1,500 workers across Red Deer and central Alberta.