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EDMONTON, AB - Layoffs of over 600 full-time
equivalent staff at Edmonton public schools, announced June 16, are another blow to a struggling
public education system. That was the message from Trudy Grebenstein, President
of CUPE 3550, representing educational support staff in the school district.
“Public education in Edmonton is already suffering from
cut backs and school closures,” said Grebenstein. “To lose almost
four hundred classroom aides and two hundred teachers will hurt students.”
The union says classroom support staff will be reduced by
388 FTEs (full-time equivalents), there will be 212 fewer teaching FTEs, and 31
fewer maintenance FTEs.
Grebenstein rejected claims that the cut backs are due to
lower enrolment. “The number of registered kids this month are about the
same as the number registered last year, we all know that by the end of
September, that number is going up.”
Instead, Grebenstein blamed the provincial government for
not funding school districts properly. “The Stelmach government is
responsible for larger class sizes and fewer supports for kids - there is no
doubt about it,” said Grebenstein. “Education Minister Dave Hancock
pushed school boards and unions into a wage structure he now won’t pay for.”
For further information:
Trudy Grebenstein
CUPE 3550
Tel: (780) 887-3552