Education support workers west of Edmonton to go on strike Tuesday

Over 400 education support workers are expected to go on strike in Parkland on Tuesday, after issuing a 72-hour strike notice Friday.

Member of CUPE Local 5543, which represents employees in the Parkland School Division, voted 91 per cent in favour of issuing a strike notice to to the school division.

According to the union, a “work to rule” action will begin on Feb. 18, which means that members are asked not to work beyond the hours they are paid for and not to participate in any volunteer activities at their jobs.

CUPE 5543 President Wendy Harman says that members will be joining 4,000 other employees in Edmonton, Sturgeon County and Fort McMurray who are already on strike, trying to get the Alberta government to address low wages, noting the average support worker earns $34,500 a year in the Alberta, which is lower than every other province.

“Many of our members work two to three jobs to earn a living wage,” said Harman in a statement.

“The impact of the provincial policy of starvation wages on the classroom is staggering,” said Harman. “No one will take the jobs at these wages, it’s hard to replace sick employees, students and education are suffering.”

In a statement to CityNews on Friday, the Parkland School Division acknowledged they got the 72-hour strike notice from CUPE 5543.

“If the labour action were to remain work-to-rule, school days could continue without disruption but because the union has the ability to escalate labour action to a full strike without further notice, PSD is now in a situation in which we must implement contingency plans, which may have to be initiated beginning Tuesday, February 18th, 2025,” said a spokesperson for the school division.

“We truly appreciate the incredible staff that support our students in schools every day in various roles as well as many staff who work in our Division Office. They contribute daily as we all work towards our Ultimate Goal of Student Success & Well-being.”

Adding, “PSD remains committed to working toward a resolution and is pleased that the union has agreed to head back to the bargaining table beginning Thursday, February 20th, 2025. It is our sincere hope that progress can be made during these negotiations.”

Around 2,000 other school support workers within four other school divisions have taken strike votes, but have not served a notice to strike at this time.