Notice served on Oct. 23 by CUPE
After two failed attempts at mediation, K-12 support staff in School District #63 in Saanich, B.C. walked off the job on Oct. 28.
Following the bargaining committee’s rejection of the employer’s offer, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 441 sought mediation to reach a deal but the two sessions were unsuccessful, says the union.
The union served 72-hour strike notice on Oct. 23 but had hoped that the parties would have gone back to the table and negotiated a deal that addressed longstanding wage parity issues, says CUPE.
“We have let the employer know that we are available around the clock to sit down and come to a settlement,” says Dean Coates, CUPE 441 president. “We are disappointed to be on strike, but we need to gain fairness for our members.”
The two sides remain unable to reach a settlement after seven months at the bargaining table, says the union.
CUPE 441 represents almost 500 K-12 support staff including education assistants, clerical, library techs, youth and family counsellors, custodial, grounds, maintenance, transportation, trades, and district support workers.
