Each week we’ll ask a question about the collective agreement and invite you to email to communications@surreyteachers.org.  

This week’s question:  From our NEW Collective Agreement… How is our Professional Development funding changing and when  will the changes be effective?  You can find out by reading “What’s New in the Collective Agreement?”. Send us the answer, including the new clause number, for a chance to win a gift card. 

Congratulations to Matt Geisler from Cloverdale Traditional who provided the correct answer for last week’s question. 

Question from January 2-6, 2023: Are teachers required to perform duties during lunch?   

Correct Answer:
No.  You are not obligated provide supervision for students or to attend any lunch and learn meetings scheduled during your lunch break as teachers are entitled to a “duty free” lunch.  

A: ARTICLE D.24 DUTY-FREE LUNCH BREAK 

*D.24.1 DUTY-FREE LUNCH BREAK 

No teacher will be required to perform school supervision during the school’s scheduled lunch break. 

*D.24.2 CHANGING LUNCH TIME 

Teachers who have elected to take their lunch break at a time other than the school’s scheduled lunch break shall be entitled to a lunch break of equal duration at another time during each school day. Such changes shall be with the agreement of the Principal/Vice Principal. These lunch breaks shall begin no later than three and one half (3 1/2) hours after the start of the school day. 

*D.24.3 KINDERGARTEN 

Kindergarten teachers whose instructional assignment coincides with the school’s scheduled lunch break shall be entitled to a duty free lunch break of equal duration at another time during each school day. These lunch breaks shall begin no later than three and one half (3 1/2) hours after the start of the school day. 

*D.24.4 EMERGENCIES 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article D.24.1, any teacher is expected to respond as may be required to meet any medical or safety emergencies which might arise during the lunch break. 

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