Saskatoon Catholic school support workers are threatening to strike

Saskatoon Catholic school support workers and maintenance staff are considering job action.

Members of CUPE 2268 and 3730, the two locals representing educational assistants, library workers, maintenance and other support staff in Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, voted in favour of strike action, the unions said in a news release Monday.

According to CUPE, the strike vote was held from Saturday, Feb. 7 to Monday, Feb. 10 – with 90 per cent of those participating voting in favour.

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The two locals reached impasses in bargaining last month over the issue of wages and entered mediation on Jan. 26 and 27. Based on the results of the vote, it appears mediation was unsuccessful.

“This result sends a clear and powerful message,” said Wayne Harriman, president of CUPE 3730, which represents maintenance workers, groundskeepers and cleaning staff in Saskatoon’s Catholic schools.

“Our members are united and prepared to take action to achieve a fair agreement that reflects the value of our work and addresses rising cost of living pressures.”

A CUPE spokesperson clarified that neither local is currently in a legal strike position and said the two groups are prepared to return to the bargaining table at any time.

Teresa Hitchings, president of CUPE 2268, clarified the workers are aiming for a fair agreement on wages, not a strike. She hopes the vote underscores how urgent the wage issue is.

“Our members provide direct support to students, teachers, and other staff. They play an integral role in students’ everyday success. Unfortunately, many of our members must take on second, and sometimes third, jobs to pay for household bills and groceries,” Hitchings said in a news release.

“It’s time for fair compensation that keeps pace with inflation and supports families.”

In a statement, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools said its administrators respect the collective bargaining process and will continue to work with CUPE toward agreements that enhance overall compensation for staff “and are fiscally responsible for us as a publicly-funded organization.”