Manitoba teachers to see ‘substantial wage increase’ in historic deal

Manitoba teachers have ratified the first-ever provincial collective agreement. Almost 70 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots with 95 per cent voting “yes” to the deal which covers public school teachers in the 37 anglophone school divisions.

The four-year collective agreement, effective from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2026, introduces substantial wage increases, improved working conditions, and enhanced workplace safety and health measures. Teachers across Manitoba will benefit from a wage increase of approximately 12.25 per cent over the term of the agreement, with a compounded increase of 12.85 per cent. The salary schedule will see general percentage increases as follows:

• 2022/23: 2.5%
• 2023/24: 2.75%
• 2024/25: 3.0%
• 2025/26: 3.0% with an additional 1% teacher retention adjustment starting February 1, 2026.

“This agreement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers,” said MTS president Nathan Martindale.  “It reflects our commitment to recognizing their invaluable contributions and ensuring they are supported in their ever changing and demanding roles.”

Highlights of the Collective Agreement:

• Wages: A total wage increase of approximately 12.25 per cent over the agreement’s duration, with a 1per cent teacher retention adjustment in February 2026.
• Salary Schedule: Adjustments include a new salary schedule for the 2026/27 school year, with additional allowances for northern regions and Indigenous language teaching.
• Workplace Safety and Health: Enhanced protections, including the right to a violence-free workplace and paid leave during inclement weather.
• Working Conditions: Increased prep time to a minimum of 210 minutes per cycle by 2025/26, capped instructional days, and provisions for extra-curricular activities.
• Leaves: Improved leave options, including up to three days for personal leave and up to three days for Indigenous ceremonial, cultural, and spiritual observance leave.

Martindale also highlighted the importance of these changes.

“By addressing issues such as preparation time, workplace safety, and leaves, this agreement not only improves the day-to-day experiences of our teachers but also strengthens the overall quality of education our students receive,” he said. “This is a significant step forward for our profession and will provide a strong incentive for people to pursue careers as public educators.”

The agreement will also see changes in the salary schedule with the introduction of a new structure for 2026/27, incorporating the best salaries at both minimums and maximums, and adjustments for northern allowances and Indigenous language teaching. Substitute rates will be adjusted, and geographical regions will be established to standardize rates across the province.

“We recognize that not every aspect of this agreement may satisfy everyone, however it represents a significant stride towards equity for our members,” Martindale said. “Solidarity and collective bargaining have been pivotal in securing these gains.”

He said that MTS remains committed to building on this agreement to further benefit all its members, which includes school leaders, clinicians and substitutes.

“Our goal is to ensure that all members within our education community rise together,” he said.

Source: Manitoba Teachers Society Release