FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta — The union representing school support staff in Fort McMurray says workers are ready to strike on the morning of September 17.
Danielle Danis, president of CUPE Local 2559, which represents support staff in the Catholic school division, told Harvard Media News that employees at both the Public and Catholic school divisions will officially begin their strike at 6:01 a.m. on Tuesday. While the Catholic board has invited the union back to the bargaining table, Danis said no revised offer has been made, with the board instead asking for more flexibility from CUPE.
Danis said she has been in close contact with leaders of Local 2545, which represents public school support staff. She stated that both divisions have received CUPE’s final offers, and the union will not return to negotiations until those offers are accepted.
CUPE Provincial President Rory Gil is traveling to Fort McMurray to join the picket lines, alongside union leaders from across the region.
Both the Public and Catholic school divisions said they received strike notices on Friday and have notified parents of operational plans during the labour dispute. Early childhood education, including pre-kindergarten classes, has been canceled. Parents of children with special needs, particularly those who require additional in-school assistance, have been asked to keep their children home. School officials said decisions regarding individual students are being handled on a case-by-case basis, but several parents told Harvard Media that their children had been told to stay home, a decision they find upsetting.
While schools will remain open during the strike, officials have warned that some extracurricular activities may be canceled.