The Richmond Teachers Association (RTA) recently ratified a new collective agreement that is set to provide stability and security for teachers in the district. The agreement, which was reached through negotiations with the Richmond School District, covers important areas such as salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
Under the new agreement, teachers in Richmond will see an increase in their salaries over the next three years. This includes a two percent increase retroactive to September 1, 2019, followed by a one and a half percent increase on September 1, 2020, and another one and a half percent increase on September 1, 2021. In addition, the RTA was successful in securing an improved salary grid that will provide teachers with better compensation for their experience and qualifications.
The agreement also includes improvements to benefits for teachers. This includes an increase in paid leave for bereavement, personal and family illness, and injury or illness related to work. Additionally, the agreement includes expanded mental health coverage, which will provide teachers with access to counselling services to support their well-being.
The working conditions for teachers in Richmond have also been addressed in the new collective agreement. The agreement includes improvements to class size and composition, which will help to ensure that students receive the support and attention they need. Additionally, teachers will have increased access to professional development opportunities, which will help them to improve their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest teaching practices.
Overall, the Richmond Teachers Association collective agreement is a positive development for teachers in the district. By securing improvements to salaries, benefits, and working conditions, the RTA has helped to provide stability and security for teachers, which will ultimately benefit students and the entire community. As the district moves forward, it is important to continue to support teachers and ensure that they have the resources and support they need to provide the best possible education for students in Richmond.
