CUPE 3550 members are collectively participating in a political protest today October 24th in resistance to the provincial government’s low wage mandates and interference in collective bargaining.
“Members did not come to this lightly. They do not feel this government is hearing their pleas to help instead of hinder. They need a fair agreement for themselves and for the students they serve.”
This member-driven decision came after several townhall-style meetings and long conversations within the membership. The members say this is about the integrity and sustainability of Alberta’s education system. It’s also about being able to feed their own family after giving everything they’ve got to supporting the children of families in their community at school.
As the president of the Local, and an educational assistant herself, Mandy Lamoureux knows very well that this will have an impact on students and families. “Members did not come to this lightly. They do not feel this government is hearing their pleas to help instead of hinder. They need a fair agreement for themselves and for the students they serve,” stated Lamoureux.
Lamoureux said, “Members have to do what is right in their heart and for the vast majority of them that means standing up for themselves and their students. It’s not fair for those students least able to advocate for themselves to be the victims of funding shortfalls. We can’t keep watching public education fall apart.”
The local was set to begin their strike on October 24th when the province jumped in on October 22nd with the appointment of a Dispute Inquiry Board to force the Local into mediation all over again. This same process was imposed in Fort McMurray with two CUPE education support Locals resulting in nothing more than delays and employer attempts to demoralize and discourage the membership.
“These members voted to be on strike. This is how this stage of bargaining works. But their government is blocking them. Their own government is working doggedly against them. It’s cruel and wrong from representatives who are supposed to be serving the best interests of these everyday working people of Alberta,” said Rory Gill, President of CUPE Alberta.
Contact
Jocelyn Johnson
Communications Representative
780-700-5592