CUPE, which union represents over 7,000 education support workers across Saskatchewan, is calling out the Sask. Party government for neglecting crumbling infrastructure in its Building Schools Faster Act.
Announced in the provincial government’s throne speech, the proposed legislation completely ignores the many schools in Saskatchewan that are in desperate need of repairs, including Laird School, located in the premier’s own riding.
“Dozens of schools across the province are in a dangerous state of disrepair, and this government’s funding cuts mean that school divisions can’t keep up with maintenance,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “Now, communities like Laird are at risk of losing their schools because Scott Moe refuses to properly invest in the schools we already have.”
CUPE is also raising concerns about the Sask. Party’s silence on education assistants and support staff at a time when many school divisions have had to cut positions due to budget constraints, leaving students with fewer supports in the classroom.
“Education in Saskatchewan is in crisis,” said Karla Sastaunik, chair of the CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee. “Violence is not slowing down, education support staff wages remain abysmally low, recruitment and retention are a serious problem, and Indigenous youth are being left behind with cuts to Jordan’s Principle. The government’s plan does nothing to address these urgent issues.”
CUPE is calling on the Sask. Party government to stop its political posturing and start investing in the schools and staff that students rely on every day.