by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (June 06/97) - Yellowknife Catholic teachers have voted in favor of a new contract that hands them a three per cent wage cut.

The three-year agreement -- in effect until June 30, 1999 -- freezes senior teachers' salaries, but does not touch housing allowances or the vacation travel assistance.

The new collective agreement also includes two compulsory days off without pay, as well as freezes on sabbatical leave and professional development funding from the NWT Teacher's Association. All changes take effect during the 1997-98 school year.

Noel O'Sullivan, chairman of the Catholic school board, said the deal is fair for the teachers in the current economic climate.

"I would have to think they fared out pretty well," he said. "It's a good deal for both groups. It's business as usual. I'm sure both would have liked to do better, but given the economic constraints...."

Negotiations for the deal went on for a year after the last contract expired. Seventy-two per cent voted for the new contract. While it could have been better, said O'Sullivan, it could have been worse.