Edmundston, February the 2^nd.

Jennifer Johnson, chief negotiator and to whom it may concern,

On behalf of the School Business Employees Union (SBEU/SPAS), I am writing to formally inquire about the status of several Position Description Questionnaires (PDQs) submitted under Article 25.07 of the Collective Agreement.

Article 25.07 clearly outlines the process and timelines for the review of classification requests, including the requirement that, within forty-five (45) working days of receipt by Finance and Treasury Board, the Employer shall provide the Employee and the Union with the results of the evaluation, including the written classification rating and the rationale supporting the decision.

We have been advised by our members that, despite PDQs being properly completed, verified, and forwarded through District HR in accordance with the Collective Agreement, there have been significant delays and, in many cases, a complete lack of response once the files reach the Treasury Board/EECD level. District HR has confirmed that required timelines at the district level were respected.

The Union has made multiple attempts to follow up on these files through emails and phone calls, without receiving any acknowledgment or substantive response. This has raised serious concerns regarding the tracking, handling, and overall transparency of the PDQ review process once submissions are received by Finance and Treasury Board. In some cases, members have been asked to resubmit PDQs, further increasing concern that files may not be properly monitored.

These delays place members in a difficult and uncertain position and undermine the intent of Article 25.07, which is to ensure a timely and transparent classification review process.

Accordingly, the Union is requesting:

• An update on the current status of outstanding PDQ submissions;
• Clarification on the PDQ tracking and review process at the Treasury Board level; and
• an explanation for the repeated delays and lack of communication.

We would appreciate a written response at your earliest convenience. The Union remains willing to meet to discuss these concerns and to work toward ensuring that the PDQ process is administered in a manner that fully respects the Collective Agreement.

Sincerely,

Alain Sirois

SBEU President/Président du SPAS 60702

506.740.2337

 

Letter SBEU-SPAS_Minister of education 05-2025_English

Minister Johnson – NB School Cuts

Dear brothers and sisters,

It is with humility, but also with great determination that I address you for the first time since my election as President of the School Business Employees’ Union 60702, last November.

The last few months have been no picnic. Despite what the Holt government wishes to imply, cuts and budget compression will take place within the New Brunswick public schools.  This reality is understandably raising concerns about the job security for many of us. But let me reassure you: your Local Executive is actively working to try to mitigate the impact and see how we can work with the Employer to have as little impact on the membership as possible.  To say we can guarantee no one will be impacted would not be true.   Some of us, some of our members will be impacted.

The Union didn’t want this and have no control over these cuts.  Our objective is to try to mitigate the impact and make sure the Employer respects the collective agreement in regard to the members that will be impacted.   We will send more communication in the upcoming days and weeks to keep you posted.   The situation evolves every day and the Union is actively working on your behalf. 

I would also like to inform you that the first negotiation session with the employer will take place from June 23 to 26. We will keep you informed of the progress of the discussions as soon as possible.

Finally, our website has recently been updated: https://www.sbeu-spas.com 
You will find there : 

* contact details for your union representatives,

* job offers sent in by the districts (this section is still being fine-tuned),

* minutes of executive meetings,

* relevant union documents (collective agreement, grievance forms, etc.).

Thank you for your confidence in me and the members of the executive. We are a family and must remain united. I want to keep the lines of communication open, and rest assured that I will vigorously defend the interests of our members. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

In solidarity,

Alain Sirois

SBEU President/Président du SPAS 60702

506.740.2337