HWDSB and PSSP Reach Tentative Local Agreement
Hamilton, Ontario – July 14, 2020: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is pleased to jointly announce a tentative local agreement with the Professional Student Services Personnel Unit (PSSP) of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF).
At HWDSB, PSSP represents 83 kinesiologists, psychologists, social workers, speech/language pathologists, psychoeducational consultants and Board Certified Behaviour Analysts. HWDSB’s Board of Trustees approved the tentative local agreement at a Board meeting on July 13, 2020. PSSP members are expected to vote on the agreement in the days ahead.
“We thank all of the professional support staff at HWDSB who work with high needs and at risk students in order for them to achieve their academic and personals goals,” said Alex Johnstone, Chair of the Board at HWDSB. “We are pleased to see this next tentative agreement reached.”
The tentative agreement covers the period from September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2022. As part of the agreement, the Board will receive annual Support for Students funding for two years. This funding will create school-based education worker positions to provide supports for students, address special education, unique learning needs, as well as mental health initiatives.
“On behalf of our PSSP members, our collective bargaining team, and our chief negotiator, Shari Shields, I would like to comment on the positive and collegial bargaining experience in which the Board engaged,” said PSSP President Leigh Moore.
“PSSP is in the process of ratifying the tentative agreement. Our hope is that this productive experience speaks to the Board’s acknowledgement of the dedication and hard work put forth by the PSSP membership to meet the needs of the multitude of high priority students and families we serve within the HWDSB.”
Moore added: “To have such a challenging year end with the intensity brought forth not only by the global situation but also by the nature of the bargaining process, speaks to the focussed perseverance and determination of PSSP. As proud members of OSSTF and employees of HWDSB, PSSP will continue to strive to meet the high needs of our students and families who continue to face these challenging times.”
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Media Contact:
Shawn McKillop, APR
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
905.515.6227 | [email protected]
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.