Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.

CALGARY - CUPE Local 40 pledged support and solidarity today to the striking members of Calgary Board of Education Support Staff, who have been on rotating strikes for much of the month. The Board of Education, which has recently increased its supervision budget, evidently does not have the funds to offer a fair deal to front-line workers.

“As a parent of school aged children, the priorities of the Board are worrisome”, said CUPE Local 40 President Bob Anderson. “I think all parents should be concerned about the impact of the decision to give greater importance to administration than to staff working with students.”

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach recently voted himself a thirty four per cent pay increase, stating that if you want to secure quality people, they must be reimbursed appropriately. It is unfortunate that this government does not feel the same need to secure quality people to work with Alberta’s students. In a province as rich as Alberta, workers are being told there is no budget to meet worker demands.

“If this offer was on the table for our members,” said CUPE Local 40 President Bob Anderson “We would reject it, without a doubt.”

“We are pleased to offer CUPE’s support to these workers,” said CUPE Division President D’Arcy Lanovaz. “Families in the city of Calgary know how difficult it is to keep up with the ever increasing costs of living in our city. These striking members are facing that same challenge.”

CUPE will continue to offer its solidarity and support to Calgary Board of Education Support Staff, and will monitor the developments of this conflict closely.

- 30 -

Contact:

Bob Anderson (cell) 403. 650. 0795

D’Arcy Lanovaz (cell) 403. 861. 5235

Audra Williams (cell) 780. 504. 2837