CUPE
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.
What's happening now?
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, CUPE Local 4625, representing support staff in schools, has withdrawn all labour services and moved to a full strike, effective immediately. While schools will remain open, this action may affect some services and supports.
Key Areas of Potential Impact
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Specialized Programming and Diverse/Complex Needs Support: Adjustments to programming will be necessary. Schools will contact affected families directly.
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Pre-Kindergarten Programming: Morning and afternoon programming is suspended until further notice.
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Extracurricular Activities: These may be impacted, and further updates will follow.
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Transportation Services: While regular transportation will continue initially, routes may shift over time. No transportation will be provided for Pre-Kindergarten as that program is suspended.
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Supervision and Arrival/Departure Procedures: Parents are advised to allow extra time due to potential delays caused by picketing. Designated drop-off areas will be supervised to ensure student safety.
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Joint Use Activities: All Joint-Use Activities are suspended. Further communication will follow directly to groups involved.
What we are 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.
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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.
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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.
Timeline
Positions impacted
The support staff group includes:
- Administrative Assistants (at school locations)
- Educational Assistants
- Office Clerks
- Therapy Assistants
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Finance Clerks
- Nutrition Coordinators
- Lunch Supervisors
- Library Technicians
Picket lines at schools
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.
Picketing may not occur on Division property and must remain outside the perimeters of the school grounds/Division property. A legal picket line should be peaceful and serve only to impede access to a building, not to deny access, not to threaten, harass, or injure those who need to access the school/building. Individuals wishing to cross a picket line should calmly tell picketers that they have a right to enter the facility and ask the picketer to allow them access. A picket line that results in denial of access to Division property, or is threatening or non-peaceful, or that occurs on Division property, is not a legal picket line. If you observe any of these illegal activities, including any violence, intimidation, or threats, immediately contact 911.