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Labour action updates

We value the hard work and dedication of support staff. They are integral members of school communities, and we appreciate everything they do to support student success.

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What's happening now?

On Monday, January 13, 2025, support staff went on strike. Bargaining between Edmonton Public Schools and CUPE Local 3550 (representing support staff) has continued, with no agreement reached. No further talks are scheduled.

The Division welcomes the Local’s bargaining committee back to the table any time.

Picket lines at schools

Picket lines will be at the following schools from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

Update: Picket lines will also be at the Centre for Education from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Picket lines may make roads more congested at drop-off and pick-up times. Be extra aware of pedestrians if there is a picket line at your school.

Picket locations may change at any time and without notice. To help parents prepare, we will post picketing updates as we become aware of them.

What we're doing to support continued learning

We understand that this strike will have an impact on schools and student learning. It is our collective goal to have learning continue in the best way possible given our circumstances, and we are actively working towards a resolution to this job action.

Schools have contingency plans to ensure that learning continues and we are working diligently to support the safety of students. For the majority of students, learning will remain in-person.

Schools have already been in contact with the families of students who may be moving to at-home learning to support safety. If you have questions about your individual circumstances, contact your child’s school.

Letters from the Superintendent

Timeline

Background

Edmonton Public Schools has been working with CUPE Local 3550 since 2022 to reach a new collective agreement. We have engaged in mediation and presented a formal offer that includes wage increases for both the 2020–2024 and 2024–2028 terms.

Recent events

Read letters from the Superintendent for additional information.

February 4, 2025

  • Additional bargaining sessions failed to reach an agreement.

January 28, 2025

  • The Division and CUPE Local 3550 were unable to reach an agreement. 

January 23, 2025

  • Edmonton Public Schools and CUPE Local 3550 return to the bargaining table.

January 13, 2025

  • Strike begins.

January 9, 2025

  • CUPE Local 3550 gives 72-hour strike notice.

December 20, 2024

  • The Division is advised of the results of the CUPE Local 3550 staff vote, which rejected the Recommendations of the Disputes Inquiry Board.

December 17–19, 2024

  • CUPE Local 3550 Executive rejects the recommendations of the Disputes Inquiry Board.
  • Following their rejection, the Alberta Labour Board holds a vote of the CUPE Local 3550 members, who also reject the recommendations. 

November 26, 2024

  • Edmonton Public Schools and CUPE Local 3550 are presented with the Recommendations of the Disputes Inquiry Board.

November 5, 2024

  • CUPE Local 3550 starts holding informational picket lines every Wednesday. Staff participating in the picket lines continue to report to work.

October 24, 2024

  • Schools support learning as many CUPE Local 3550 members attend a rally at the Alberta Legislature.

October 22, 2024

October 21, 2024

October 18, 2024

  • CUPE Local 3550 gives 72-hour strike notice.

October 16, 2024

  • CUPE Local 3550 holds a strike vote.

Positions impacted

The support staff group includes:

  • administrative assistants
  • administrative assistant mentors
  • clerks
  • educational assistants
  • educational assistant mentors
  • food preparers
  • interpreters
  • library technicians
  • licensed practical nurses
  • speech language pathology assistants
  • supply educational assistants
  • technicians