The provincial government and New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation signed a new collective agreement Wednesday.
The federation represents about 7,800 teachers in the province.
“We are pleased to sign this new collective agreement,” NBTF co-president Heidi Ryder said in a statement.
Ryder said it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening schools and supporting educators.
“This is an investment in public education’s future,” she said. “When teachers are supported, students benefit and strong schools build strong communities and a strong province.”
Premier Susan Holt said the agreement is about recognizing the work teachers do across the province and ensuring teaching remains an attractive and rewarding profession.
“Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of our province,” Holt said in a release. “And I am pleased to that both sides were able to work together to reach a fair agreement so quickly.”
The deal is retroactive to March 1 and includes a “general economic increase” of 14.5 per cent over five years.
It also includes a recruitment adjustment of one per cent upon signing of the agreement and one per cent on March 1, 2030.
It provides a recognition and retention premium for teachers with longer service, including one per cent after 15 years, two per cent after 20 years and three per cent after 25 years.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson said the issues of retention and recruitment were highlighted in the province’s recently released education plans.
