Fort McMurray public, Catholic school leaders agree to meet with CUPE

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The union representing educational assistants and support workers at Fort McMurray’s public and Catholic schools have agreed to hold new bargaining talks as the threat of a strike loomed over both divisions.

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Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) offered on Wednesday to meet with the school leaders after membership and the bargaining committees overwhelmingly rejected recommendations made by dispute inquiry boards (DIB).

CUPE Local 2545, which represents public school (FMPSD) staff, saw 93 per cent of members reject the offers and a 83 per cent turnout. CUPE Local 2559, which represents Catholic school (FMCSD) staff, saw 95.5 per cent of members reject the offers and a 79 per cent turnout.

Voting ran from Friday to Monday. The union warned a 72-hour strike notice would be issued if members had rejected the offers.

“You have an opportunity to avoid strike action. You can come back to the table with a fair offer that we can present to members,” read letters both CUPE locals sent to Fort McMurray’s Catholic and public school leaders.

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The letters point out members have argued their wages have stagnated for years. Many members work multiple jobs and rely on the food bank.

For months, CUPE has told the public and media that members are exhausted from working in schools they say are crowded and badly funded by the province. The Catholic and public superintendents have also said in separate, unrelated interviews schools are crowded, understaffed and poorly.

The public and Catholic leaders confirmed to media they had received the letters and by late Wednesday afternoon, had confirmed they will return to bargaining talks.

“We have reached out to the union and are ready to meet again next week at their convenience,” said FMCSD spokesperson Megan McKenny.

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“We are committed to open, respectful discussions as we work together to reach a fair and sustainable agreement. We are hopeful that through continued collaboration, we can find a resolution and move forward,” said FMPSD superintendent Annalee Nutter.

A strike was expected to begin on Sept. 17 and involve 1,065 educational assistants, librarians, administrative and maintenance staff, and custodians with the two CUPE locals representing public and Catholic school workers.

On the eve of the strike, the province delayed the move by appointing a DIB, which added another 30 days of negotiations.

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vmcdermott@postmedia.com

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