The Alberta Teachers’ Association

This collective agreement is made in duplicate this 25 day of May, AD 1999, pursuant to the School Act and the Labour Relations Code .

Between the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No 4, hereinafter called the "Board", of the first part and the Alberta Teachers' Association, a body corporate incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta, hereinafter referred to as the "Association," of the second part.

Whereas the Association is the bargaining agent for the teachers employed by the Board and

Whereas the terms and conditions of employment and the salaries of the teachers have been the subject of negotiations between the parties; and

Whereas the parties desire that these matters be set forth in a collective agreement to govern the terms of employment of the said teachers;

This agreement will affirm the spiritual, professional and individual dignity of each and every employee.

Through this agreement, by providing security for its employees, the Board ensures quality education for the children, the trust given the Board by the community.

NOW THEREFORE THIS COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that in consideration of the premises of the mutual and other covenants herein contained the parties agree as follows:

Article 1 - Application of the Contract

1.1 The collective agreement applies to all employees of the Board, who as a condition of their employment must possess a valid teaching certificate issued under the authority of the Department of Education, the Province of Alberta, herein collectively called the teachers or where the context requires, teacher, except those designated as superintendent, deputy superintendent and all second line officers who work in central office and report directly to the superintendent.

1.2 The salaries and the terms and conditions of the teachers' employment with Board are governed by the provisions of this agreement and any statutory provision relating thereto.

Article 2 - Effective Term of Agreement

2.1 This collective agreement shall, except where otherwise specified take effect on September 1, 1999 and shall remain in full force and effect until August 31, 2001. The two parties may at any time, upon their mutual agreement, negotiate revisions of this agreement. Any such revisions shall become effective from such date as shall be agreed upon by both parties.

Either party may give to the other not less than 60 days nor more than 150 days prior to the termination of this agreement, a notice in writing of its intention to commence bargaining.

2.2 The parties shall exchange particulars of all amendments sought, either prior to or at the first meeting following such notice to commence bargaining.

Article 3 - Salary Schedule

3.1 The Board shall pay all of the teachers in its employ the salaries and allowances as herein set forth and computed.

3.2 The amount of teacher education of a teacher and length of teaching experience computed as hereinafter provided shall together determine the annual rate of salary to be paid to each teacher employed by the Board. One month's salary shall be considered to be 1/12 of the annual salary rate applicable in that month. Tabulated below are the minimum and the maximum salary rates and the experience increments for each year of teacher education.

3.3 Teachers under contract, except substitute teachers, shall normally be paid by the 25 day of each month.

3.4 Salary Schedule

3.4.1 Effective September 1, 1999:

	One	Two	Three	Four	Five	Six
0	22,410	24,566	27,939	34,140	36,179	38,544
1	23,520	25,891	29,391	36,240	38,276	40,641
2	24,630	27,218	30,843	38,334	40,374	42,742
3	25,740	28,544	32,296	40,434	42,471	44,835
4	26,852	29,870	33,749	42,531	44,569	46,934
5	27,962	31,197	35,203	44,629	46,667	49,030
6	29,074	32,523	36,657	46,727	48,762	51,129
7	30,187	33,851	38,113	48,822	50,862	53,227
8	31,299	35,179	39,567	50,922	52,959	55,322
9	32,412	36,506	41,023	53,020	55,057	57,422
10	33,525	37,832	42,476	55,116	57,153	59,520
11	33,525	37,832	42,476	57,215	59,253	61,616

3.4.2 Effective September 1, 2000:

	One	Two	Three	Four	Five	Six
0	23,082	25,303	28,777	35,164	37,265	39,700
1	24,225	26,667	30,272	37,327	39,424	41,860
2	25,369	28,035	31,768	39,484	41,586	44,024
3	26,512	29,400	33,265	41,647	43,745	46,180
4	27,658	30,766	34,762	43,807	45,906	48,342
5	28,801	32,133	36,259	45,967	48,067	50,501
6	29,946	33,499	37,757	48,129	50,225	52,662
7	31,093	34,866	39,256	50,287	52,388	54,824
8	32,238	36,234	40,754	52,450	54,548	56,982
9	33,384	37,602	42,253	54,610	56,709	59,145
10	34,531	38,967	43,751	56,769	58,868	61,305
11	34,531	38,967	43,751	58,931	61,031	63,464

Article 4 - Evaluation of Teacher Education

4.1 The evaluation of teacher education for salary purposes shall be determined by a statement of qualifications issued by the Alberta Teachers' Association Teacher Qualifications Service in accordance with the principles and policies established by the Teacher Salary Qualifications Board pursuant to the memorandum of agreement dated March 23, 1967 between the Department of Education, the Alberta School Trustees' Association and the Alberta Teachers' Association.

4.2 Placement on the salary schedule shall be according to the number of years of teacher education on the first day of each school semester or on commencement of employment.

4.3 Each teacher claiming additional teacher education and each teacher commencing employment with the Board, shall supply satisfactory evidence of teacher education to the Board within 90 calendar days from commencement of the school semester or from the date of employment. If satisfactory evidence is not submitted within 90 calendar days salary shall be adjusted effective the beginning of the month following submission of satisfactory evidence. This article shall not apply if the teacher submits satisfactory evidence that failure to comply was not the fault of the teacher.

4.4 No payment for salary adjustments will be considered beyond the terms of the collective agreement within which the claim is initiated.

Article 5 - Recognition of Teaching Experience

5.1 Allowance for past experience shall be one step on the schedule for each year of experience to the maximum as provided in the salary grid. No teacher shall gain more than one year experience increment in one school year.

5.2 For purposes of this section before an allowance is paid for experience prior to engagement, the teacher shall be required to submit a certified statement from previous employers to the effect that such experience was in a school under the jurisdiction of a provincial, state or national department of education. Until such evidence is submitted or if it is not submitted within 90 calendar days after commencement of employment, the Board may evaluate the teaching experience.

5.3 A year of teaching experience shall be any one school year during which a teacher, under contract, has taught for not less than one full semester or its equivalent, as defined by the official school year calendar. A teacher employed under contract, who teaches less than one full semester in a school year, may accumulate an experience increment by combining any two consecutive years of service with the Board provided that a minimum of 60 days service per year be rendered.

5.3.1 Article 5.3 shall not have retroactive effect for service prior to July 1, 1996.

5.4 Notwithstanding section 5.3 above, a part-time teacher who teaches the equivalent of half time or more for two consecutive semesters shall be entitled to a full experience increment immediately upon completion of the second semester.

5.5 Substitute teaching shall not, in any event, be used in calculating whether an additional year of teaching experience with the Board has been earned.

Article 6 - Additional Allowances

6.1 Principals - A teacher designated by the Board to be principal of a school will receive an annual allowance to be calculated using the following formula:

6.1.1 A basic allowance of:

Effective September 1, 1999 - $10,000

Effective September 1, 2000 - $10,250

Plus:

6.1.2 In addition to the base allowance in 6.1.1, each principal shall receive a student allowance according to the following formula:

151 to 300 students - 0.0355 percent of current fourth year maximum per student plus:

301 to 450 students - 0.025 percent of current fourth year maximum per student plus:

451 student and greater - 0.014 percent of current fourth year maximum per student.

For the purpose of ECS students, each child shall be counted as 0.5 FTE.

Student allowance will be based on enrollment as of September 30 of each school year.

6.2 Associate Principal - First and only associate principal - 60 percent of the principal's allowance.

In a school with two associate principals, each shall receive 60 percent of the principal's allowance.

6.3 Consultant - Each consultant, appointed by the Board, shall be paid an additional allowance equal to 13 percent of the grid salary at maximum in the fourth year of education, based on full-time employment.

6.4 Coordinator - Each coordinator, appointed by the Board, shall be paid an additional allowance equal to 15 percent of the grid salary at maximum in the fourth year of education, based on full-time employment.

6.5 Vacation Service - A teacher, who is not in receipt of an administrative or supervisory allowance and who agrees to render service during the summer vacation period, at the written request of the superintendent, shall be paid 1/200 of his/her total annual salary for each day of work.

6.6 Teacher Travel - A teacher authorized or assigned on a regular basis by the Board to travel by automobile in the performance of their regular duties shall be reimbursed at the kilometre rate established for trustees by the Board.

Article 7 - Substitute Pay

7.1 Substitute teacher means a teacher employed on a day-to-day basis.

7.2 The rate of pay for a substitute teacher, including four percent vacation pay shall be:

Effective September 1, 1999 - $120 per day

Effective September 1, 2000 - $125 per day

7.3 In the case of a substitute teacher being employed more than five consecutive days in the same classroom, the rate of pay shall be in accordance with training and experience as set forth in clause 3.3 retroactive to the first consecutive day of employment.

Article 8 - Development of Leadership in Catholic Schools

8.1 A teacher who has taught in the school system for a minimum of five years may be granted a leave for professional development in education that will enhance our Catholic schools.

8.2 Application for leave shall be presented to the superintendent of schools as follows:

(a) For leave to commence first day of fall semester – not later than January 15.

(b) For leave to commence January 1 – not later than May 1.

The application for leave must be considered by the Board and the applicant must be notified of the Board's decision within 30 days after the date for receipt of applications.

8.3 A teacher returning from professional leave is entitled to a teaching position with the Board. The Board, in its sole discretion, shall when possible, return the teacher to the position held prior to the leave.

8.4 A teacher having been granted leave shall spend his/her time in the improvement of his/her professional standing by studying at a recognized learning institution. Application for leave shall be accompanied by a clear statement of the teacher's purpose.

8.5.1 In lieu of regular salary, a teacher while on professional development leave, shall be granted allowance at the rate of 65 percent of the current annual salary payable under articles 3 and 6 for the applicant's position, payable at the rate of 1/12 of the leave allowance so determined, for each month of leave, with payments to commence on the last day of the first calendar month of the leave.

Where professional development leave is granted for periods of less than a full year, leave allowance shall be at the rate of 65 percent of a current annual salary payable under articles 3 and 6 for the applicant's position, computed for the number of teaching days of leave in ratio to 200, payable at the rate of 1/12 of the leave allowance so determined, for each month of leave, with payments to commence on the last day of the first calendar month of the leave.

8.5.2 The teacher on professional development leave will receive payment under articles 3 and 6 and 8.5.1 for the position of the teacher for the year in which application was made.

8.6 A teacher who is granted leave shall agree in writing to serve the Board for a period of not less than one year for each semester taken. Should a teacher resign or retire from service of the Board before completing two year's service following such leave, repayment of leave salary shall be made to the Board on a prorated basis.

Article 9 - Professional Development Fund

In addition to the type of professional development leave which may be granted under article 8, the Board shall provide an allocation of funds to each school or site to finance the costs of short term professional development activities and related costs such as registration fees, travel, living expenses and cost of substitute teachers. The annual amount per FTE teacher shall be a minimum of $250 which shall be available through each school. Each teacher's unexpended allocation shall accumulate to a maximum of $2,000. Should a teacher transfer to another school, that teacher's accumulated unused funds will be transferred to the new site.

Article 10 - Leave of Absence

A teacher may apply for and receive leave of absence for personal reasons subject to the following conditions:

10.1 With Full Pay

10.1.1 A maximum of five days for the critical illness of a teacher's father, mother, husband, wife, son or daughter, brother or sister or parents of spouse. A medical statement certifying critical nature of illness will be required if death does not occur.

10.1.2 A maximum of five days for the funeral of a teacher's father, mother, husband, wife, son or daughter, brother or sister or parent of spouse.

10.1.3 For the critical illness leading to death of a teacher's father, mother, husband, wife, son or daughter, brother or sister or parent of spouse the limits of article 10.1.2 will be added to the days already taken under article 10.1.1.

10.1.4 In the event of multiple deaths or multiple critical illness occurring, only the maximum for the above will take place. Each individual death or critical illness other than the same time period will result in separate implementation of each of the articles 10.1.1, 10.1.2, 10.1.3.

10.1.5 For the funeral of grandparents, grandchild and in-laws two days leave. If circumstances warrant additional leave, the two days may be extended to a maximum of five days.

10.1.6 For the funeral of uncle, aunt, cousin, nephew, niece - one days leave.

10.1.7 For acting in any capacity at a funeral - one day.

10.1.8 For the purpose of writing university examinations - one day.

10.1.9 While participating in own university convocation exercises - one day.

10.1.10 While obtaining citizenship papers at a scheduled session of the court - 1/2 day.

10.1.11 While serving as a witness as a result of a notice to attend or subpoena, provided that any fee received for acting as a witness be paid over to the Board.

10.1.12 Notwithstanding 10.1.11, this clause shall not apply to a teacher charged with any offense or to a teacher bringing action against the Board.

10.1.13 For not more than one day to allow a father to be present at the birth of his child.

10.1.14 For not more than one day for adoption procedures.

10.1.15 For school closure by the Board for reasons of inclement weather, health and safety reasons or physical plant breakdown.

10.1.16 For impassable roads.

10.1.17 For not more than one day in any school year for some emergency or misfortune demanding the teacher's attention.

10.1.18 The superintendent may, at his discretion, grant leave of absence at full salary.

10.2 With Loss of Substitute Pay (Whether Substitute Required or Not)

Temporary leave of absence with pay shall be granted to teachers, providing the Board is reimbursed for the cost of a substitute teacher through payroll deduction or payment from other source:

10.2.1 For attendance of meetings of committees of the Department of Education.

10.2.2 For attendance of meetings or any function at the request of the provincial or Local Alberta Teachers' Association.

10.2.3 For attendance at educational conventions in an official capacity; or for the attendance at civic government meetings or conventions in an official capacity.

10.2.4 For any other professional reasons that have been approved by the superintendent of schools.

10.2.5 For not more than two days in any one school year for some emergency or misfortune demanding the teacher's attention.

10.2.6 Personal leave for not more than three days in any school year shall be granted for attending to private concerns providing the Board is reimbursed for the cost of a substitute teacher through payroll deduction. Where possible, at least three days notice shall be given to the principal or in the case of a principal to the superintendent or his office.

10.2.7 For the funeral of a friend of the family - one day.

10.3 Without Pay

10.3.1 Maternity Leave

Teachers are entitled to maternity leave up to 18 weeks. Maternity leave shall be granted under conditions as specified below:

(a) The maternity leave will begin at the discretion of the teacher. The teacher shall, when possible, notify the Board of her leave requirements three months in advance of the first day of leave and shall provide a statement from a physician indicating the approximate date of delivery.

(b) Maternity leave shall be without pay and allowances and without the Board's share of group insurance premiums.

c) Maternity leave shall not be counted as teaching experience for article 5.3 and 5.4 of the collective agreement.

(d) The teacher may terminate the leave at any time up to 18 weeks following the date of delivery or at a later date with the approval of the Board. When possible, return to work shall be at natural breaks in the school year.

(e) In any event, the teacher shall give the Board no less than two weeks notice, in writing, of the intended commencement or return dates.

(f) A teacher returning from maternity leave is entitled to a teaching position with the Board. The Board, in its sole discretion, shall when possible, return the teacher to the position held prior to the leave.

10.3.1.1 The Board shall implement a supplementary unemployment benefits plan which each teacher shall access for pay during the health related portion of her maternity leave for 13 weeks.

10.3.1.2 The Board shall pay its portion of required group insurance premiums described in article 12 during the health related portion of maternity leave. The remainder of maternity leave, not covered by the health related portion, shall be at no cost to the Board.

10.3.1.3 The benefit level paid under this plan is set at 100 percent of the employee's regular weekly earnings. The total amount of SUB benefits and EI benefits will not be greater than the employee's regular earnings.

10.3.1.4 The portion of leave that is health related shall be recognized for increment purposes.

10.3.2 Paternity Leave

Teachers are entitled to paternity leave. Paternity leave shall be granted under conditions as specified below:

(a) Paternity leave shall be without salary and benefits.

(b) The paternity leave shall begin at the discretion of the teacher. The teacher shall, where possible, notify the Board of his leave requirements three months in advance of the first day of the leave.

(c) Paternity leave shall not be counted as teaching experience for article 5.3 and 5.4 of the collective agreement.

(d) The teacher may terminate the leave at any time up to one year following the beginning of the leave or at a later date with the approval of the Board. When possible, return to work shall be at natural breaks in the school year.

(e) In any event, the teacher shall give the Board no less than two weeks notice, in writing, of the intended return date.

10.3.3 Adoption Leave

Teachers shall be granted adoptive leave without pay and allowances and without the Board's share of group insurance premiums for up to eight weeks.

10.3.3.1 A teacher returning from adoption leave is entitled to a teaching position with the Board. The Board, in its sole discretion, shall when possible, return the teacher to the position held prior to the leave.

10.3.3.2 Adoption leave shall not be considered teaching experience for the purposes of granting salary increments.

10.3.3.3 Teachers shall apply for such leave at least 60 days prior to the commencement of the leave. The Board shall however, allow the teacher to take leave on whatever notice the teacher is able to provide, as soon as the child is available.

10.3.4 Negotiating Leave

When the parties agree to schedule day time bargaining meetings, the Board shall grant leave of absence with salary and benefits for a maximum of five teachers for the purpose of participating in actual negotiations with the Board.

10.3.4.1 The Association shall reimburse the Board an amount equivalent to the salary of a substitute for each participating teacher for the first seven days of negotiating leave and 1/200 of the teacher's salary for each additional day of such leave.

10.3.5 General Leave

Teachers shall be granted leave of absence without pay and allowances and without the Board's share of group insurance premiums for a period to be determined by the teacher and the superintendent.

10.3.5.1 During this leave each teacher shall be eligible to maintain benefit insurance coverage provided the teacher pays 100 percent of the premiums.

10.3.5.2 Leave granted under 10.3.5 shall not be considered teaching experience for the purpose of granting salary increments.

Article 11 - Sick Leave

11.1 Annual sick leave with pay will be granted to a teacher for the purpose of obtaining necessary medical or dental treatment or because of accident, sickness and/or disability.

11.1.1 In the first year of service with the Board – 90 calendar days.

11.1.2 After one year of service with the Board – 90 calendar days.

11.2 After 90 calendar days of continuous absence due to medical disability, no further salary shall be paid and the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan D shall take effect.

11.3 A teacher who has been absent due to medical disability shall, upon return to full-time duty, be entitled to an additional sick leave benefit in the current year of 90 calendar days.

11.4 Before any payment is made under the foregoing regulations, the teacher shall provide:

11.4.1 A declaration, on a form to be provided by the Board, where the absence is for a period of three days or less.

11.4.2 A certificate signed by a qualified medical or dental practitioner where the absence is for a period of over three days.

11.4.3 The Board may require a teacher to undergo a medical examination by a physician or dental practitioner named by the Board.

11.5 When a teacher leaves the employ of the Board, all sick leave shall be cancelled.

11.6 Newly appointed teachers may be required to present a medical certificate of good health.

Article 12 - Employee Benefit Plans

12.1 Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan - All teachers shall be covered under the provision of the ASEBP Life Insurance Plan II and Extended Disability Benefit Plan D with the employer paying 85 percent of the premium.

12.2 Alberta Health Care Insurance - The Board's contribution to the Alberta Health Care Insurance covering teachers employed by the Board shall be at the rate of 85 percent of the total premium.

12.3 ASEBP Extended Health Care Plan I - The Board's contribution to the ASEBP Extended Health Care Plan I covering teachers employed by the Board shall be at the rate of 85 percent of the total premium.

12.4 ASEBP Dental Care Plan 3 - The Board's contribution to the ASEBP Dental Care Plan 3 covering teachers employed by the board shall be at the rate of 85 percent of the total premium.

12.5 ASEBP Vision Care Plan 1 - The Board's contribution to the ASEBP Vision Care Plan 1 covering teachers employed by the Board shall be at the rate of 85 percent of the total premium.

12.6 Employment Insurance Rebates - In consideration of the improvements to the employee benefit plan and sick leave benefits, the employees covered by this contract waive any claims on rebates under the provisions of the Employment Insurance Act.

12.7 The Board upon the death of a teacher shall immediately pay an additional 1/12 of the annual salary less tax deductions to the beneficiary as designated for this article.

Article 13 - Grievance Procedure

13.1 Any difference between any employee covered by this agreement and the Board or in a proper case between the Local of the Alberta Teachers' Association and the Board concerning the interpretation, application, operation or alleged violation of this agreement and further including any dispute as to whether the difference is arbitrable, shall be dealt with as herein provided, without stoppage of work or refusal to perform work.

13.2 Such differences (hereafter called "grievance") shall first be submitted in writing to the secretary-treasurer of the Board and to the president of the Local ATA, as the case may be. Such written submission shall be made within 15 teaching days from the date of the incident giving rise to the grievance or from the date the griever first had knowledge of the incident, whichever is later. Such grievance shall set out the nature of the grievance, the articles of this agreement which it is alleged have been violated and the remedy sought.

13.3 In the event the grievance is not settled within 15 teaching days after the date of submission of the grievance in accordance with the above procedure, then on or before a further five teaching days have elapsed from the expiration of the aforesaid 15 teaching day time period, the grievance shall be referred in writing to the grievance committee. Such grievance committee shall be composed of two representatives of the Board and two representatives of the Alberta Teachers' Association Local. A quorum of this committee shall consist of all members. The grievance committee shall meet and endeavor to resolve the grievance and shall render its decision in respect of the grievance within 21 teaching days following receipt of the submission and shall dispose of each grievance before proceeding to another, except where by unanimous consent of the grievance committee, the hearing of such grievance is adjourned for the purpose of obtaining further information. If the grievance committee reaches a unanimous decision as to the disposition of any grievance, that decision shall be final and binding.

13.4 If the grievance committee does not reach a unanimous or any decision within the said time then either party may by written notice served on the other party require the establishment of an arbitration board as hereinafter provided. Such notice must be given within 10 teaching days after the date of the aforesaid 21 teaching day limit expires or the date the grievance committee renders other than a unanimous decision, whichever is shorter.

13.5 Each party shall appoint one member as its representative on the arbitration board within seven teaching days of such notice and shall so inform the other party of its appointee. The two members so appointed shall, within five teaching days of the appointment of the second of them, appoint a third person who shall be the chairperson. In the event of any failure to appoint a chairperson either party may request the Director on Mediation Services to make the necessary appointment.

13.6 The arbitration board shall determine its own procedure but shall give full opportunity to all parties to present evidence and to be heard.

13.7 The arbitration board shall not change, amend or alter any of the terms of this agreement. All grievances or differences submitted shall present an arbitrable issue under this agreement and shall not depend on or involve an issue or contention by either party that is contrary to any provisions of this agreement or that involves the determination of a subject matter not covered by or arising during the term of this agreement.

13.8 The findings and decision of a majority is the award of the arbitration board and is final and binding upon the parties and upon any employee affected by it. If there is not a majority, the decision of the chairperson governs and it shall be deemed to be the award of the board.

13.9 The arbitration board shall give its decision not later than 14 teaching days after the appointment of the chairperson provided, however, that this time period may be extended by written consent of the parties. Each party to the grievance shall bear the expense of its respective appointee and the two parties shall bear equally the expense of the chairperson.

13.10 In the event, at any stage, of the aforesaid procedure (except in respect of appointing persons to the board) the grieving party fails to take the necessary action within the time limit specified, the grievance shall be deemed to be at an end.

13.11 Any of the aforesaid time limits may be extended at any stage upon written consent of the parties.

Article 14 - Communications Between the Parties

The parties hereto recognize that there are in existence at the present time committees for the purpose of communicating the views of teachers on matters of school affairs to the Board. It is the intention of the parties hereto that the current practices in this regard shall continue during the currency of this agreement.

Article 15 - General Clauses

15.1 When the Board creates any new classification not specified in this agreement to which a teacher will be designated, the allowance, if any, for the new classification shall be negotiated.

15.2 Nothing herein contained shall reduce the salary of a teacher below the amount payable immediately prior to the effective date of this agreement.

15.3 All previous agreements, schedules and regulations between or affecting the parties are hereby cancelled.

15.4 This agreement shall enure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the parties and their successors.

15.5 The Board shall not require a teacher to transfer to a school in a town or city with boundaries that are further than 50 kilometres from the boundaries of the town or city of the teacher's present school assignment.

Article 16 - Deferred Salary Leave Plan

The Board shall implement a deferred salary leave plan which complies with Revenue Canada regulations. Participation in the plan shall be at the discretion of the Board.

A teacher's benefits will be maintained by the Board during the teacher's leave of absence, provided the teacher requests such in writing three months prior to the date of leave. The teacher shall pay to the Board the full cost of any benefit premiums paid on the teacher's behalf.

Letter of Intent

For the life of this contract, for the purposes of salary and benefits, ECS teachers will be recognized as half-time (0.5 FTE) or full-time (1.0 FTE).