The following information is critical to know if educational support staff or maintenance staff are striking or may strike in your division:
- The goal of CUPE’s labour action is to focus public attention on concerns regarding the working conditions of CUPE members.
- As expected, schools affected by this labour action are not functioning normally:
- School offices are missing educational support workers like administrative assistants;
- Students with special learning needs are not benefiting from the support of educational assistants;
- Schools are not being cleaned and maintained as they would normally be, and access by parents and community members may be restricted.
- It is important to understand that while teachers and principals will do what is reasonably expected to address situations that pose clear and immediate safety concerns, routine custodial work is not their responsibility. Members are instructed not to do the work of another bargaining unit.
- We expect teachers to advise the Alberta Teachers’ Association directly of any improper direction being given, and the Association will assist them as required. Teachers and school administrators affected should call the Association’s CUPE strike advice hotline at 1-888-796-1368.
Previously supplied information, including letter templates for refusing work/outlining concerns, which were shared by the local presidents of affected divisions can be found below.