Yellowknife (June 13/03) - Catholic teachers in Yellowknife voted Thursday in favour of a 7 per cent hike in pay over two years.

Initial negotiations took place June 3, with a tentative agreement being reached. Members of the Yellowknife Catholic school bargaining unit voted 80 per cent in favour at a further meeting on June 10.

The contract covers the two-year period from July 1, 2003; to June 30, 2005.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• A salary increase of 4 per cent for the first year, and 3 per cent for the second year;
• An increase of $1,000 on the principal's base allowance;
• Increased allowances for department heads and instructional leaders;
• Maternity leave supplementary unemployment benefits increased to 93 per cent of normal rate of pay;
• Vacation travel assistance increased to $650;
• Increase in medical travel assistance to $200 per day for up to 14 days, from $400 in total;
• Professional development available up to $500 per teacher, per year;

As well, health and welfare improvements were agreed upon, including more premiums for dental and eye care.

"The contract is a positive step forward for teachers and Yellowknife Catholic School District," says David Murphy, president of the Northwest Territories Teacher's Association.