Thousands of unionized school support workers in our province appear to have a new deal.

The province and CUPE say they have a tentative deal for 4,400 education employees and shared the update on Friday night.

“I’m so happy both sides came together to reach a fair agreement that supports our education support workers in the extremely important work they do,” said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “My sincere thanks go to everyone around the bargaining table.”

CUPE represents teacher assistants, early childhood educators, inclusive education staff, custodians, tradespeople and bus drivers.

Specifics will be shared after the deal is voted on and accepted by the union.

The last contract support workers at regional centres for education and CSAP expired on March 31.