Over 35 CUPE education support workers from 15 school divisions across Saskatchewan gathered in Regina on November 24 and 25 for a coordinated bargaining think tank.
The two-day session focussed on developing strong, common bargaining language and reinforcing solidarity among locals. Participants committed to making collective agreement updates a top priority, and negotiating strong, consistent language across the province. Strategies include aligning common end dates for collective agreements and working within regions to set shared goals – because we are stronger together.
Coordinated bargaining strengthens our collective voice and makes it harder for employers to divide and weaken workers. CUPE education workers are moving forward united, determined to negotiate agreements that reflect fair wages and safe working conditions.
The event concluded with a press conference, meetings and lunch with MLAs, and attendance at Question Period at the Saskatchewan Legislature. The press conference highlighted the Education Workers Steering Committee’s public online survey on the impact of education cuts on workers, administrators, and parents. CUPE was joined by Carla Beck in calling for urgent action.
“When schools lose staff and resources, students go without support, and the entire learning environment suffers,” said Dene Nicholson, president of CUPE 8443 and library technician. “We need the government to act now to properly fund education so students can get the help they need to succeed, and education workers aren’t stretched beyond their limits.”
The think tank was a powerful reminder that when education support workers stand together, their voices are stronger. CUPE locals across Saskatchewan are committed to fighting for safe working conditions, fair wages, and the resources students need to succeed.