PEA-SMS 2026 Fall Newsletter
Welcome, SMS Chapter Members!
Pop-Up Bagel and Coffee Welcome and Thank-You: Wednesday, October 28
In appreciation of the incredible work you do to support our students and one another, your Chapter Executive will deliver bagels, coffee, and treats for you to enjoy!
The PEA SMS Chapter: How It Came to Be
Prior to 2000, staff at St. Margaret’s School were not represented by a union. In 2000, the PEA received certification from the BC Labour Relations Board to represent 50 teachers employed at SMS. Soon after, support staff at SMS also joined the PEA. Today, more than 100 employees are represented in the bargaining unit.
Benjamin Isitt’s book, Duty with Dignity, chronicles the history of the PEA from 1974 to 2024. A copy is available in the Grade 5 classroom for members who would like to learn more about the union’s history.
One member of the SMS Chapter, Janna S., currently holds an interim excluded position, and we wish them success in their new role. Please note that, under the Letter of Understanding concerning transfers from bargaining-unit to excluded positions, employees in excluded positions are not represented by the PEA.
Union Dues
Of the 2,324 PEA members who voted in the recent referendum, 55.5% voted in favour of the proposed dues increase. As a result, PEA dues will be set at 1.45% beginning January 1, 2027. This will be the first dues increase in the union’s history.
Co-Curricular Committee
The Co-Curricular Committee is a joint committee that includes both excluded staff and PEA members. The committee members are Deena, Paula P., and Dawn R., representing excluded staff, along with Rhiannon, Cory S., and Bev W., representing the union.
The committee meets monthly, either by Zoom or in person. Several ongoing concerns and questions require discussion, and we hope to hold our first meeting of the school year within the next few weeks.
Chapter Executive
Your Chapter Executive has met regularly since September as we work through the many questions raised by members.
The Joint Standing Committee includes Sara, CEO and Head of School; Deena, Director of Human Resources; Rhiannon, Labour Relations Officer; and Bev, Chapter Chair. The committee has met weekly to discuss and address concerns raised by members.
We are committed to open, honest, and, at times, difficult conversations. We appreciate members sharing specific examples, as these help us understand the different situations that arise and work toward appropriate solutions. When an issue cannot be resolved, the union may file a grievance, where appropriate, in accordance with the Collective Agreement.
Quick Facts and Important Items to Review
Please review the following information against your paycheque, effective July 1, 2026:
• Collective Agreement: Please refer to the Collective Agreement for the complete language.
• Seniority list: A current seniority list should be available to PEA members on April 1 and October 1.
• Article 19.02, Anniversary Date: An employee’s anniversary date is the date on which their regular employment commenced.
• Support staff: Regular support staff receive increments on their anniversary dates based on years of service.
• Faculty: Each faculty member’s teaching experience is adjusted on September 1 or January 1 following the month in which the applicable experience is achieved.
• Article 10.04(iii), Curricular and Preparation Time: Curricular and preparation time is time during which tutorial staff members are available to the school. Please keep a record of any additional meetings you are expected to attend so that the union can raise this issue in discussions with the school.
• Article 13.01, Health Benefits: Employees are responsible for becoming familiar with benefit coverage and eligibility requirements. SMS must provide each employee with a written outline of the applicable benefit provisions. Employees should also review their Health Spending Account. The account provides $500 per year, and unused funds may be carried forward for one year, to a maximum of $1,000. These funds may be used for eligible expenses.
• Article 13.07, Pension Plan Participation and Contributions: All eligible regular staff members must participate in the Combination Pension Plan beginning on the first day of the month following their employment. Information about the SMS plan is available through iA Financial Group.
• Article 16.01, Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees receive 1.5 sick days for each month worked, prorated for part-time employees. New employees are advanced five paid sick days during their first year of employment, prorated for part-time employees. Unused sick leave may be carried forward to the following fiscal year, to a maximum of 24 days.
PEA SMS Chapter AGM
The PEA SMS Chapter AGM will be held in November. The date, meeting room, and Zoom information will be provided once confirmed.
The meeting will be offered in a hybrid format, with options to attend in person or by Zoom. Door prizes will be available to all attendees, and food will be provided.
A quorum is required for voting, so your attendance matters. Please join us for an important update on current issues at the school.
Please also consider running for a position on the Chapter Executive. There are currently several vacancies, and we would welcome your knowledge, experience, and support.
If you are interested in joining the Chapter Executive, please contact:
• Rhiannon Bray, Labour Relations Representative
• Bev Waterfield, Chapter Chair
• Cory Steadman, Treasurer
• Laurie Adsett, Member at Large
SMS Annual General Meeting
The date of the school’s AGM has not yet been announced. It is usually held in November, and the Chapter Executive encourages all PEA members to attend.
Although employees do not have voting rights at this meeting, they may listen to the reports and review the financial statements. Only a small number of staff attended last year. A stronger turnout this year would demonstrate that employees support the school and are interested in its future direction.
Sincerely,
Your Executive Committee
Laurie Adsett
Cory Steadman
Bev Waterfield
