2017 Tentative Agreement Highlights Nova Scotia Teachers Union Gains over September 2016 Tentative Agreement • An additional $60 million (approximately) in wages, benefits and classroom • • • • • investments. An additional $17.2 million in salary increases. This was accomplished by moving ahead the first pay increase by 4 months and adjusting the wage pattern (2% increase on April 1, 2017 and a 1% increase on April 1, 2018). Government will not change position on long service award so we are taking back 1% of our service over course of agreement. As a result teachers will now receive two paid days off to be used during the school year. ($8.3 million cost to provide substitute teachers) $20 million to be invested to improve classroom conditions as part of the Partnership on Systemic Working Conditions ($10 million annually for next two years). An arbitrator will now settle any disputes that arise as part of this process. $12.7 million to replace stolen marking and preparation time. $2.4 million to provide substitute coverage while teachers conduct one-on-one assessments.  Other highlights •  Current P-6 class size caps will now be enshrined in collective agreement. • Inclusive Education Commission - this independent province-wide body will be launched to improve support for special needs students. • A commitment to evaluate placing a system wide time delay on PowerSchool between when marks are entered and when they are visible to parents and students.